When someone you love gets diagnosed with ALS, the first thing you ask is what can I do to help? For many people like me, the answer is to participate in Walk ALS Georgia, which raises awareness and money to support Georgians living with ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that slowly robs a person of the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. It can strike anyone and, although there has been a lot of advancements in ALS research, we still don’t know what causes it. An ALS diagnosis is fatal because there is no cure.

My sister was diagnosed with ALS about a year ago.  In that year's time, I have seen firsthand the progression of ALS and how quickly it can change the lives of those who have it as well as their caregivers and loved ones.  It has shown me just how precious life is and how important it is to appreciate each day we are given.  I feel blessed to have my sister Lissy in my life and to stand with her to fight for a cure for ALS.

I am walking so that, one day, when Georgians hear the words, “You have ALS,” it will no longer mean that they likely will die within two to five years. I am walking so that Georgians living with ALS, my sister among them, know that they are not alone. I’m walking to assure that when they need help, they will be able to get it from ALS United of Georgia. I am walking to give them hope.

You may not know anyone with ALS, but you do know me, and I am asking for your support. Will you please consider joining me to make strides in the fight against ALS? You can join our team or make a gift to support our team. Either way, with your help, we can enhance the lives of people living with ALS, every day until we find a cure.