Walk to Defeat ALS at Depot Park on November 20

BY AMBER THIBODAUX

Depot Park in Southeast Gainesville is hosting a Walk to Defeat ALS event to raise awareness and funds for the ALS community in the area. The walk is led by the ALS Association Florida Chapter and will take place on November 20, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each year, people of all ages and athletic abilities come together to honor a loved one with the disease, to remember those who’ve passed, and to show their support for the cause.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. According to the ALS Association website, every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease and someone passes away from it. ALS causes progressive degeneration of motor neurons, leading to their death. When the motor neurons die, the brain can no longer initiate and control muscle movement. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe. There is currently no cure.

At least a dozen walks take place in communities across Florida each year. Funds raised will contribute to local care service programs, global ALS research, and nationwide advocacy. For more information on how to donate or register for the Walk to Defeat ALS, click here.