I am walking to raise funds for ALS because this dreadful disease took my sister from us one year ago. ALS consumed her body bit by bit, her voice, her ability to walk, but not her mind. She was trapped for only a short while, when God took her home. She was blessed to have 2 wonderful sons and daughters-in-law, and 3 beautiful granddaughters. 

Over the past few years, we've known too many of our neighbors, families, and friends to suffer with ALS. I'm walking so, hopefully, we can find a cure for this terrible disease.

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 have 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.

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 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.

My sister, Teresa Gayle Smith's ALS progressed VERY rapidly after her "official" diagnosis. For a few months prior, we knew something was wrong, but not what was wrong. She passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024 at home with loved ones, only 4 weeks after diagnosis.  

 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.