The Horsefly Ladies Walking Club will be taking to the streets in Williams Lake Saturday to participate in the annual ALS Walk.
The participants gather in Boitanio Park at 10 a.m. for the walk that starts at 11 a.m. to raise funds for the ALS Society of B.C.
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and there is simply no way to sugar coat the outcome of ALS. Average survival depending on different factors is 39 months from time of diagnosis. Anyone who has been told they have cancer knows that initial feeling of shock; however there is always hope that with treatment, survival is possible. With ALS it is only a matter of time until one becomes completely unable to function.
It is an extremely rare disease with no real known cause, and no cure.
There is some evidence ALS is genetic in some families, but nothing can be nailed down as fact.
It is a frightening prospect to say the least.
The Horsefly Ladies Walking Club is lead by Esther Oschwald. Esther lost a brother to ALS in 2010, and he is her inspiration.
With any luck, Esther will be joined by walkers Nancy Beigh, Gerry Farquharson, Rose Kearney, and Monika Schlaepfer. Anyone else who wishes to join them is most welcome.
Last year the Horsefly Ladies Walking Club raised $1,800 for ALS B.C.
These fine ladies are seeking sponsorships from their friends and neighbours. Their numbers are all in the phone book should you wish to help out.
Last year’s Walk for ALS in Williams Lake showed record participation, resulting in $22,000 being raised to help find a cure.
The fifth annual Williams Lake Walk for ALS takes place Saturday, June 25 in Boitanio Park.
Registration is at 10 a.m. and the walk starts at 11 a.m.
The Williams Lake Community Band will be performing at the event.
“This walk gives people hope, and hope is what sustains those with ALS and their families and helps them carry on,” says event organizer Eileen Campbell.
“What I want most is for people to feel that they’re part of a community that relates, supports and cares – doing everything possible to find a cure.”
For information about the Williams Lake ALS group contact Heather Robertson at 250-267-6707 or Eileen Campbell at 250-267-7611.
To learn more about ALS visit www.als.ca