ALS Northwest is hosting its annual Central Oregon walk fundraiser at Riverbend Park on Sunday, April 26. At this accessible event, participants will get the chance to walk or roll along a 1.47 mile loop route while raising money to support local services for people living with ALS throughout Central Oregon. As the community gathers to ‘Highlight ALS’ – the theme of this year’s event – all are invited to join and help fundraise during this day full of fun, local food vendors, and bright colors. ALS Northwest prioritizes local connections and is partnering with Bend Parks and Recreation, with food vendors ACME Hotdog Co, Goodies Ice Cream, and Lava City Cirque.
Every year, ALS Northwest hosts six walks throughout Oregon and SW Washington. These events are an opportunity for people living with ALS and others in the community to come together to celebrate their resilience while also raising crucial funds. The funds raised at these events support important, local services to those living with ALS, including loaned medical equipment, financial assistance, support groups, and caregiver and youth support, among others. By registering for the Central Oregon Walk ALS, community members help people with ALS to live higher-quality lives.
Last year, John Nicolaisen – a person living with ALS in Redmond, Oregon – attended Walk ALS for the first time. As he cut the ribbon to begin the event, he was overwhelmed by the number of people participating who wanted to show their support. The walk helped him see just how big of a community he has around him; not just in Central Oregon, but statewide. “ALS Northwest does good work,” John shared. “They help people all day. To join John and his fellow ALS community, register for the Central Oregon Walk ALS at https://secure.alsnorthwest.org/site/TR/Walk/General?pg=entry&fr_id=1280
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It takes away the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and ultimately breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages two to five years from the time of symptom onset, and there is currently no cure nor any significantly life-prolonging treatments for the disease. Currently, approximately 35,000 people are living with ALS in the United States (CDC).
About ALS Northwest
The mission of ALS Northwest is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for people with ALS and their families, while advancing research for new treatments and an end to ALS. This organization is the central source of services and education for people living with ALS in the State of Oregon and the lower six counties of Southwest Washington. As the only ALS-specific organization in the region, ALS Northwest has served over 2,500 people living with ALS and their families.
For more information about ALS Northwest, visit our website at alsnorthwest.org and find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ALSPacificNorthwest.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
