The 6th Annual Walk for ALS Williams Lake, taking place on Saturday, June 24, 2017 is in jeopardy of cancellation, as no volunteer has stepped forward to fill in the role of walk co-ordinator.
The event has proven to be a huge success year after year, and has contributed more than $100,000 towards patient services and research for people affected by ALS in the community.
The loss of the walk in Williams Lake will be detrimental to countless families across the region hoping to see a future without this debilitating disease,” said Iman Ghahremani, manager of volunteers and resource development for the Walk for ALS.
Support and training for the walk for ALS event is provided by the ALS Society of BC to the individual or individuals willing to take on the co-ordinator role, Ghahremani added.
“In order to save the Williams Lake walk, the deadline is set for Jan. 31 to find an appropriate volunteer to lead the event,” Ghahremani said.
“If interested, contact the ALS Society of BC to discuss commitment, timeline and training.”
Proceeds from the Walk for ALS go to the ALS Society of BC to fund research and to provide support for those living with ALS.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease that affects the person’s motor neurons which carry messages to the muscles.
When these muscles fail to receive messages, they lose strength, atrophy and die, leaving the person immobilized.
“Right now, the ALS community has an extraordinary chance to step forward with renewed confidence and vigor,” Ghahremani said.
“Promising new discoveries of inquiry offer so many reasons for us to see a brighter future for the ALS mission. Register to Walk for ALS, and together, we can provide more hope.
The walk for ALS is a volunteer-driven event co-ordinated by the ALS Society of BC, taking place in 15 communities across BC and Yukon.
Each location features accessible routes for wheelchairs and scooters, rest stops and more.
It is the largest annual fundraiser of the ALS Societies across Canada.
The ALS Society of BC, meanwhile, was established in 1981, and is dedicated to providing direct support to ALS patients, along with their families and caregivers, to ensure the best quality of life possible while living with ALS.
“Through assisting research, we are committed to find the cause of, and cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),” Ghahremani said.
For more information visit www.walkforals.ca.