More than 250 community members gathered Saturday morning at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline in Richmond for the 26th Annual East Bay Walk & Roll to Cure ALS, a spirited and family-friendly event supporting individuals and families affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Hosted by the ALS Network, formerly known as ALS Golden West, the walk brought together people of all ages for a morning of celebration, fitness, music, education, and solidarity with those living with ALS and their caregivers.
Despite a last-minute venue change earlier in the week, the event retained its signature energy, featuring warm-ups, a walk around the scenic Richmond shoreline, community activities, and opportunities to connect with others touched by this devastating disease.
By day’s end, participants had raised nearly $80,000 toward their $165,000 goal, putting the ALS Network’s East Bay campaign at about 48 percent of its target as fundraising continues. Proceeds from the walk support the organization’s mission to provide care services, public policy advocacy, research support, and community connection for more than 2,000 families facing ALS across California and Hawaii.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative illness that progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually robbing individuals of the ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe, even as cognition often remains intact. There is currently no known cure, and approved treatments offer only modest slowing of disease progression.
“Today was an inspiring example of what this community can accomplish when we walk together toward hope and support,” said Gabbie Ramirez, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications for the ALS Network. “Every dollar helps us provide direct services and move closer to treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”
For those who were unable to attend, donations are still being accepted at alswalkeastbay.org as organizers strive to hit their full fundraising goal.
Photos from the event courtesy of organizers:
