ALS Association hosting walk to raise money for research and treatment
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The ALS Assocation Mid-American chapter is held their 'Walk to Defeat ALS' event In Columbia Saturday at Cosmo Bethel Park. Check-in for the walk started at 9 a.m. followed by the walk at 10:30 a.m.
According to the organization, Saturday's walk is one of five thats set to take place.
For Saturday's event, 13 teams are scheduled to walk one mile help raise money and awarness. "Gosh, we've been doing 'Walk to defeat ALS since 2000. So we've had probably nine to 10 walks every year for 22 years. So it's been pretty incredible," said ALS Mid - American Chapter Executive Director Colleen Wachter.
In 2021, the walk raised over $100,000 for the organization, with Columbia businessman Tiger John Cleek and his team raising over $65,000 during the 2021 event. Cleek passed away back in March after battling ALS.
For 2022 the walk raised $56,000 in total, succeeding the organization's goal of $45,000.The money will be used for education, advocacy and treatment of ALS. Team Tiger led donations in the family and friends category by donating $18,000. Kilgore Respiratory led in corporate team donations with a $1,200 donation and John Cleek Jr led the top individuals donation category with a donation of $17,000
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a disease that attacks the nervous system. The disease causes nerve cells to break down, which leads to muscle weakness.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, ALS affect as many as 30,000 people in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. When some one is diagnose with ALS, reports say that person is expected to live between two to five years….
Dennis Karl has had ALS seven years and led the walk in his wheel chair on Saturday ….He says proud to be here. I feel like I have a purpose being here. Even though I'm in a wheelchair. I represent hope for others that they will live longer," said Karl
John Cleek Jr was at Saturday's ALS events and says its like his father never left.
"I felt like he was still here with me even though physically he's not. You know, last year, my dad was the one that cut the ribbon. We were the leading, you know, fundraising team again last year. And so, you know, he's here with us in spirit," said Cleek Jr.
According to reports, the cause of ALS unknown. While there are treatments for pain, there is stil no cure for the disease. Organizers say it will take a team effort for change.
"We're working really hard to make it a livable disease and we need everyone's involved whether you're fundraising bringing awareness or or volunteering. We need everyone's help in this fight so that we can get to that point. Where this disease is a livable disease," said Wachter.
Despite those who were lost, many still believe there is a cure for ALS. If you would like to donate to the organization, you can click here to visit the ALS website.
