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Celebration of 25 Years of Walk to Defeat ALS

The Walk to Defeat ALS® is commemorating a remarkable milestone—25 years of providing hope and support to individuals and families affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This iconic event, held across the United States, acts as a beacon of solidarity, combining voices and efforts to champion those battling this cruel disease while pushing for advancements in research and treatment.

For the past quarter-century, the Walk has seen the participation of nearly 50,000 individuals and volunteers annually through its 80 different locations nationwide. Not just a fundraiser, this gathering signifies the unity of the ALS community—where families come together to share stories, support one another, and honor the memories of loved ones lost to ALS. It has become the world's largest event dedicated to aiding individuals living with ALS and their families, emphasizing a collective commitment to finding a cure.

The grassroots initiative, fueled by the hard work and dedication of supporters, has significantly contributed to accelerating progress in ALS research. The funds raised through these events have been instrumental in funding the development of new ALS treatments, discovering new genes associated with the disease, and forming novel global research partnerships to tackle ALS head-on. The ALS Association has been a key player in this movement, offering vital care and advocacy for people with ALS.

Calaneet Balas, president and CEO of the ALS Association, remarked on the journey. “For 25 years, the Walk to Defeat ALS has brought the ALS community together. Each Walk brings us closer to making ALS livable and finding a cure. Thanks to the dedication of our participants, volunteers, and our national sponsors, we've been able to transform hope into action for people living with ALS and their families.”

The 2025 Walk to Defeat ALS events are scheduled in various locations, offering additional opportunities for involvement. Participants can look forward to events like:

• - Walk to Defeat ALS Orlando - March 15, 2025 in Orlando, FL
• - Walk to Defeat ALS Sarasota - April 12, 2025 in Sarasota, FL
• - Walk to Defeat ALS Jacksonville - April 12, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL
• - Walk to Defeat ALS Greater Tampa Bay - April 26, 2025 in Safety Harbor, FL
• - And many others across the country until June.

For those interested in joining the fight against ALS, registration is open. Individuals who raise $100 or more receive a commemorative event t-shirt, as a token of appreciation for their efforts. The funds collected through these walks critically support the expansion of ALS care and research, continuing to push boundaries towards better treatments and improving the lives of those affected.

As we gather and step forward on this 25th anniversary, we honor the lives of those affected by ALS and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for their needs and voicing the urgent requirement for improved therapies.

To find a walk in your area and learn more, please visit WalkToDefeatALS.org.

About the ALS Association

The ALS Association is recognized as the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research globally. Its mission encompasses not only funding vital research but also providing assistance to individuals living with ALS and their families through a nationwide network of care centers, advocating for better public policies, and striving to make ALS a livable condition while pursuing a cure. To learn more about their vital work, visit als.org.

Understanding ALS

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that progressively impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As it advances, individuals face the loss of mobility, speech, and eventually, the ability to breathe. Unfortunately, ALS is invariably fatal, typically within five years of diagnosis, with very few treatment options available, resulting in a pressing demand for new therapeutic solutions.