Celebrating, remembering, hoping.
Those were themes that developed for Emporia’s Walk to Defeat ALS on Saturday. Spokesperson Kelly Bosak of the ALS Association’s Mid-America Chapter says events like this are important for all involved — patients, family members and caregivers.
This was the first time the event has been held in person since 2019, and about 50 people participated. Fundraising totals are pending.
ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, essentially destroys nerve and muscle function over time while leaving the brain intact. Bosak says a lot of the medical research now focuses on what’s called the AMX0035 drug after promising trials in Canada. The drug helps to slow down the disease’s progression.
Besides medical research, funds from the walk go to clinical equipment for patients and to help family members and caregivers as assistive technology becomes more commonplace.
