Welcome to the Walk to Defeat ALS^™!

Jacksonville Walk to Defeat ALS    Saturday | April 4, 2009 South Florida Walk to Defeat ALS    Saturday | April 18, 2009 Orlando Walk to Defeat ALS    Friday | April 24, 2009 Palm Beaches Walk to Defeat ALS    Saturday | April 25, 2009 Greater Tampa Bay Walk to Defeat ALS    Saturday | May 2, 2009 Sarasota/Manatee Walk to Defeat ALS    Saturday | May 9, 2009 Fort Myers Virtual Walk to Defeat ALS    Virtual Event

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The Walk to Defeat ALS^™ was launched in 1999, and is The ALS Association’s largest nationwide fundraising event. It is designed to raise money to find a cure for ALS and to increase awareness of the disease. The Walk to Defeat ALS^™ has grown, with 150,000 participants nationwide raising more than $18.7 million each year to support the year-round work of The ALS Association.

In Florida, the event continues to be a milestone in our community‘s effort to combat this devastating disease. Since its inception, Walk to Defeat ALS^™ participants and sponsors have made this event Florida’s most powerful and effective response to ALS. Held in five locations throughout Florida, the Walk to Defeat ALS^™ empowers patients, friends, families, and the business community to do something about a disease that leaves many feeling powerless.

The Walk to Defeat ALS^™ is on target to raise a projected $1-million throughout Florida in 2009. The Walk is recognized as one of the most cost-efficient fundraising events in the United States: $0.91 of every $1 raised goes to support global research and patient service programs.

 
The number of people being diagnosed with ALS in Florida continues to grow at an alarming rate. Since 2000, the number of patients and caregivers seeking programs and services has increased 497%. The Walk provides support for our most urgent goal to offer programs and services to ALS patients and their families throughout Florida. Without the funds you will personally contribute or collect through your fundraising efforts, The ALS Association could not provide the services so desperately needed by ALS patients throughout Florida.

• Every 90 minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with ALS
• Every 90 minutes another person loses their life to this devastating disease
• Care for one ALS patient can cost up to $250,000 a year
• ALS can impact anyone! There are no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries
• The average life expectancy post diagnosis is two to five years
• Presently, there is no cure for ALS

 
Anyone and everyone can become a part of the fight against Lou Gehrig's Disease by joining a local Walk to Defeat ALS^™. All Walk routes are wheelchair accessible and Walk Day activities include something for all ages!

 
Volunteers are the backbone that makes the Walk program such a success and allows The ALS Association to deliver patient programs and fund national research.  Planning committees are busy making plans for the 2009 Walk to Defeat ALS™ and we invite new volunteers to step up and volunteer their time, skills and expertise for the planning committees in their cities.  

For more details on volunteering for the Walk to Defeat ALS™, CLICK HERE!

We look forward to a great year as we Walk to Defeat ALS™!