ALS 5K Run / Walk Race For Charity

What: Run/Walk to benefit The ALS Association – Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter
When:  Saturday, May 07, 2016 @ 08:00 AM
Where: Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center  – 1801 Nash St, Sanford, NC 27330
Registration Link: http://www.imathlete.com/events/ALSCharityRun/

ALS Run / WalkALS (Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rapidly progressive, fatal, neurological disease. ALS attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells allow one to control voluntary muscle movement. Activities that we often take for granted, like running, walking, breathing, lifting or even writing are controlled by the neuromuscular system.

As ALS progresses, these nerve cells shrink and disappear so the muscles no longer receive signals to move, leading to the body to be paralyzed. At the late stages, someone with ALS can often still see, hear, smell and feel touch, but they can lose the ability to eat, swallow and breathe. Essentially becoming a prisoner to their own mind.

There is currently no cure for ALS. This disease not only breaks down the victim, but is a constant battle for caregivers.

The Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter proudly serves all 100 counties and sponsors all 5 ALS clinics in North Carolina. With a mission of leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy. While also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

On May 7, 2016, we will have a 5K ALS Charity Run/Walk to benefit The ALS Association – Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter in memory of our friend Brian Weaver. Before Brian passed away on December 18, 2015, he began planning this multi-event fundraiser for this organization that helped him through this horrific disease. Brian worked extensively using a device that tracked only eye movement, enabling him to work a computer while planning for the event.

This Catfish Hunter chapter has a loaner closet for victims of ALS. When Brian was diagnosed with ALS, he wanted to take his family on what would probably be their last vacation. He just wanted to take them to the beach. His muscles were getting weak, walking was difficult and the Catfish Hunter foundation brought him a power wheelchair with balloon tires on it…. A beach wheelchair!!! This may seem like a small gesture to some, but to Brian it meant the world. Because of the Catfish Hunter Foundation, he was able to take his family on that final vacation and he was forever grateful.

Please join us on May 7, 2016 for a 5K Run/Walk in Sanford, NC as we help to raise awareness in the fight against ALS. Help us to make Brian’s dream a reality and this the biggest event Lee County has ever seen! The event will start at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center 1801 Nash Street, Sanford NC 27330.

Registration is being hosted here: http://www.imathlete.com/events/ALSCharityRun/