WALK TO DEFEAT ALS

Every ninety minutes one American dies of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), while another is stricken with the illness.  This progressive neuromuscular disease can strike anyone at anytime; slowly robbing the body of the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe while the mind and senses remain unaffected.

The disease is named for New York Yankees legend Lou Gehrig who was diagnosed with the illness in 1939.  He died two years later at age 37.  Although many things have changed since 1941, one thing has not changed--there is still no known cause, effective treatment, or cure for ALS.

Every year throughout this country, walks are held to raise money to defeat ALS.  Contributions collected through the ALS walks fund global research and provide programs and services to patients and families challenged by this horrendous disease.  Believe me, the challenges can be beyond imagination.   

I am a member of a Family and Friends Team and will be participating in the ALS Association Tennessee Chapter WALK TO DEFEAT ALS to be held on September 24th, 2011 here in Knoxville..  The walk is scheduled for 10AM at Victor Ashe Park.  This chapter provides leadership in raising awareness of the disease, promoting patient advocacy, and funding research to find a cure.

Our team will be walking in memory of my husband, Bill Knight, who died of ALS in August of 2004.  My book, A JOURNEY THROUGH FIRE (Memoir of an ALS Caregiver) will be available during the walk for a $10 donation to the ALS Association.

You may donate to our team by going to http://www.walktodefeatals.org/ and following the prompts that will take you to our team's donation page.  Any amount will be greatly appreciated.