Emporia’s 21st annual Walk to Defeat ALS will take place later this month, but not in its traditional format.
On KVOE’s Talk of Emporia Friday morning, long-time organizer Gary Ace announced this year’s walk will take place in a virtual format. Ace says the change was necessary due to the recent rise in local COVID-19 cases.
The walk will begin Aug. 28 and will allow residents to complete it at their own pace.
ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. At this time there is no known cure for ALS. The annual walk helps to raise awareness and funds to support research into finding a cure.
Ace says the local walk began after a large contingent of local residents attended the annual ALS walk in Kansas City for a number of years. Due to the large presence in KC, the ALS Association approached Ace about the possibility of bringing the walk to the local community and it has continued to grow ever since.
Ace says he is hopeful they will still see a large amount of participation for this year’s walk despite the change in format saying that supporters are extremely “commited” to helping find a cure.
To register for this year’s Walk to Defeat ALS or for more information call 316-612-0188.
