Sunny weather is finally here, and so is ALS Awareness Month and with that, Walk To End ALS season. This is my 5^th year participating, and during that time I have been to about 10 different walks all across the province. Each event is always a powerful reminder that we are stronger together in the fight against ALS. I always leave in awe of the incredible spirit of the people I meet, many of whom either are fighting ALS themselves or have a loved one who is.

For those who don’t know, ALS is a disease that progressively paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the brain’s connection with the muscles of the body breaks down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. Each year, approximately 1,000 Canadians will learn that they have ALS, and another 1,000 Canadians will die from the disease. There is no cure for ALS and few treatment options for most people living with the disease. Four out of five people diagnosed with ALS will die within five years.

By donating you will be supporting:

Further scientific progress by investing in the ALS Canada Research Program, which funds promising ALS research. The ALS Canada Research Program is the only national dedicated source of funding for ALS research across Canada. This program provides peer-reviewed grants to researchers whose work has the greatest potential to advance the field of ALS. There’s been more progress made in ALS research in the last five years than over the last century – we need to keep building on this momentum. Create a better day-to-day reality for people and families living with ALS by providing community-based services throughout Ontario. This includes home visits and support groups, virtual programming, and information resources, which are all critical in improving the quality of life for people living with and affected by ALS.

Join our team in making a difference. Please consider donating to our team fundraising page as we work toward a world free of ALS.

United, we are stronger together!