According to a story from the Ottawa Sun, several hundred people participated in the annual ALS Walk on June 9th, in which people walk down the Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway in order to raise money for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and honor cherished family and friends who will ultimately lose their ability to walk on their own.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative illness that causes the death of neurons that are responsible for voluntary muscle movement. The cause of this unusual disease is not known in the vast majority of cases; however, in about five to ten percent, the disease is inherited from the patient’s parents. While it can occur at any age, it most commonly appears in the sixties, although genetic cases tend to appear earlier. Symptoms include muscle atrophy and weakness, muscle stiffness and twitching, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Some patients also experience cognitive problems that progress to dementia. Most people do not survive beyond four years after getting diagnosed; people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis often face respiratory complications. To learn more about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, click here.
The event is the largest fundraiser for ALS in Ottawa and across Canada in general, with organizers hoping to raise around $215,000 from the walk. Much of the money goes directly to local ALS patients, who are provided with support groups, medical equipment, and home visitation. About forty percent of the funds will go towards ALS research. ALS has no cure, and most treatment options can only prolong life by a few months.
Nevertheless, the feeling at the event was very positive and upbeat; most participants had a personal motivation for attending. Mike Rannie was the lead walker of the event; he was first diagnosed with the disease about a year ago, but he was still able to complete the router with the help of his walker.
While many patients choose to participate themselves, some family members also walk in memory of loved ones lost. Nigel Van Loan and his two sons completed the walk to honor Patricia, Nigel’s wife, who died in 2007 from ALS.
Events like the ALS Walk are essential for raising money and spreading awareness about the impact the rare diseases can have on people’s lives every day.
