Norfolk & Columbus Area Walk to Raise Support Nebraskans & Western Iowans with ALS
Sunday, September 24th, ALS in the Heartland will bring their annual Norfolk & Columbus Area Walk to Skyview Lake in Norfolk to help spread awareness and raise support for people whose lives have been forever altered by ALS.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive, terminal disease. It eventually causes the people with it to lose the use of every muscle in their bodies until they reach complete paralysis. However, mental functions (personality, memories, intelligence, emotions) stay intact, essentially making the people prisoners in their own bodies until death. There is yet no known cure or treatment, and life expectancy is almost always only two to five years after the onset of symptoms.
ALS in the Heartland is a nonprofit agency that helps provide support and care to give individuals and their families impacted by ALS the highest quality of lives possible as they live with the disease. Services—including guidance, equipment loans, respite services, and transportation reimbursement—are all free to patients.
An independent agency, ALSITH is not under the umbrella of a national organization. Therefore, they are able to use all of the proceeds they receive to solely and immediately help people right here in Nebraska and western Iowa rather than sending the money to a national headquarters. However, that also means that their work is dependent on the generosity of Walk attendees and other supporters.
ALS in the Heartland serves several families in the Norfolk and Columbus area. Local businesses have jumped on board with their support. ALS in the Heartland would like to thank Columbus Community Hospital and all of their other sponsors who have made the event possible.
Please attend the Norfolk & Columbus Area Walk on Sunday, September 24th. Everyone is welcome, and registration is free. The event will have refreshments, giveaways, activities, and much more. Walk routes are handicapped-accessible and pet-friendly.
Fundraising forms can be downloaded through their website: www.alsintheheartland.org. If you cannot attend, but would still like to send support, you may donate online through the website (designating your gift in honor of the “Norfolk Walk”) or you can send checks to: ALS in the Heartland, 1320 S. 119th Street, Omaha, NE 68144. All donations are tax-deductible.
For more information, call the ALS in the Heartland office (402-592-2374) any time.
