On June 9 this year, I lost my husband, Alan Nichols, to ALS. So many of you have asked, "Where can I make a memorial donation? 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 husband of 43 years lived less than a year after his diagnosis. I am showing up and raising money so that, one day, when Georgians hear the words, "You have ALS," it will no longer mean that they likely will die within one to five years. I am walking so that Georgians living with ALS today 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 else with ALS, but you knew Alan, you 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.