Homewood Prepares for 2024 Walk to Defeat ALS, Highlighting Urgent Need for Research and Awareness

Homewood Gears Up for Walk to Defeat ALS

Homewood, Ala. – Residents, families, and supporters are preparing for the 2024 Walk to Defeat ALS Central Alabama, which will take place this Sunday at Homewood Central Park. This event brings together those affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), caregivers, and community members to raise awareness and funds for research into this debilitating disease.

Event Details and Significance

The walk will kick off with registration at 2 p.m., followed by the main event starting at 3:30 p.m. According to Amy Bromhead, the director of development for the ALS Association of Alabama, the gathering aims to highlight the importance of recognizing ALS, which can feel distant until it touches someone we know.

“It matters that people hear about ALS because it seems like it’s a rare disease, but it’s only rare until it affects you,” Bromhead explained. She shared that this disease is not only devastating to health, but it also brings a significant financial burden on affected families.

The Challenge of ALS

Bromhead further elaborated on the challenges faced by ALS patients and their families, stating that there is currently no cure available. She remarked, “We still don’t have a pill you can take to prevent it, and they don’t know what causes it.” Despite ongoing research, many patients are left waiting as they navigate symptoms that can take a long time to diagnose, sometimes a year or more.

The statistics paint a harrowing picture; the average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with ALS ranges from two to five years following diagnosis. Bromhead emphasized the urgency for more research and funding, stating, “We’ve done a lot and there’s a lot of drugs that are out there on a trial basis, but we’ve got a long way to go.”

A Milestone Year

This year’s event carries added significance as it marks the 10-year anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral campaign that successfully raised around $114 million for ALS research. “That actually put the first drug on the market to help some of the symptoms,” Bromhead said, acknowledging the impact that collective community efforts can have.

The goal moving forward is ambitious. Bromhead noted that the ALS Association aims to make ALS a livable disease by 2030 and eventually work towards its elimination. There are hopes that funds raised during the walk will contribute significantly to ongoing research efforts.

How to Participate

Community members are encouraged to take part in the walk, whether to raise funds or simply to show support. This year’s event will also feature a Kid Zone, providing snacks and treats for younger participants, ensuring the day is enjoyable for families.

By participating in the walk or contributing donations, attendees will be directly supporting vital research and raising awareness about ALS. Everyone is invited to gather in solidarity for a cause that impacts many lives both locally and beyond.

As the community rallies together this Sunday, anyone who has been touched by ALS or simply wishes to make a difference is welcome to join in this important event.