Volunteers 'D'Feet', raise funds for Lou Gerhig's disease
Written by Stephanie Crosby
Sunday, 26 August 2007
Imagine having no control over your body, but being perfectly alert and sound of mind. For those affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, this is day to day living.

“[They are] captives within their own body, unable to move, but their brain is 100 percent, they’re still just as alert as they always were,” said Jean Haley, a registered nurse from the ALS Assoc. in Wichita.

Haley said she sees about 82 patients with ALS across the country.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a neuromuscular disease that paralyzes the person’s body while their brain and senses are unaffected.

But, there is hope and 150 supporters gathered last Saturday to raise money for the disease.

About 136 of the supporters walked around Jones Park, a record number for the Walk to D’Feet ALS in Emporia.

“It’s a wonderful way to raise money, you can see kids in strollers and grandparents, everyone can come and walk, that’s what makes it so great,” said Kathleen Wille, Regional Development Director of the ALS Association.
The walk started off with a brief speech from Dr. Gary Ace, area coordinator for the ALS walk and a short prayer for the loved ones of those who passed away from the disease. Lining the roadway at Jones Park were signs with names of some of the many who were lost to the disease. The participants cut a ribbon to start off the walk, and then began walking.

This year’s walk raised a total of $12,420 for patients suffering from ALS. According to Wille, the walk takes only a small amount of money to put on, so most of the money goes to the patients.

Haley said this year marked her seventh walk for the disease.

“The money we raise, about 90 percent of it goes to patients, so it’s a little different than most non-profits,” Haley said.

“It is estimated that ALS is responsible for nearly two deaths per hundred thousand population annually,” according to the Web site http://www.als.org. “More people die every year of ALS than of Huntington’s disease or multiple sclerosis and it occurs two-thirds as frequently as multiple sclerosis.”

Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but with efforts like the Walk to D’Feet ALS, money is being donated to research for treatment options.

Many of the supporters walked in teams, in memory of loved ones. Jessica Griffin was walking with family and friends honoring Tim Griffin, a teacher and coach from Cottonwood Falls. Their group was named “Coach Griff’s Team.”

Griffin said they have had one of the biggest teams at past walks. Griffin also said, after the event, family and friends get together every year and have a barbeque in celebration of Griffin.

Other people just joined the walk to support the cause.

“It’s a good opportunity for people to get together and share in one belief and cause,” said Jennifer Newell, freshman communication major.

Members of the Chi Omega sorority walked in support of one of the member’s uncle who was affected by the disease.

“We would love to get the whole ESU community behind this next year,” Ace said.

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