AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Sept. 29, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Walk to D'Feet ALS, a concerted effort to raise funds benefiting research and patient care services for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), will take place, Saturday, October 4, 2003 at Reed Park in Santa Monica. The event is part of the continued campaign by The ALS Association, Greater Los Angeles Chapter to raise awareness and needed funding for the fight against ALS.
"Our Walk to D'Feet ALS is part of a larger, national effort to raise money and public awareness about this progressive neuromuscular disease affecting as many as 30,000 people in the United States each year," said Fred Fisher, Executive Director of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, 5,600 new cases of ALS are diagnosed annually. With no known cause, prevention or cure, the disease affects the function of the nerves and muscles and people with ALS have an average life expectancy of two to five years from the time of diagnosis
With more than 1,500 walkers participating, our goal this year is to raise $350,000. Mark Wallengren, co-host of the "Mark and Kim" show on KOST 103.5 FM will be the master of ceremonies. Other sponsors include UPS and Wells Fargo Foundation. Registration for the walk will start at 8:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. Walkers are asked to register for the Walk to D'Feet ALS, by visiting the chapters website at www.alsala.org, or by calling the chapter office at (818)865-8067.
The Greater Los Angeles Chapter is one of 38 chapters of The ALS Association, the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization devoted solely to the fight against ALS. For more information, contact the Greater Los Angeles Chapter at (818)865-8067.
Note to Editors: Interviews with The ALS Association, a Walk to D'Feet ALS organizer or a Walk Team can be arranged by contacting Giovanna D'Angelo with the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of The ALS Association at 818/865-8067. This event provides excellent photo opportunities.