Story by Amy Turner, Staff writer
ALS gained national attention through the ALS ice bucket challenge in 2014. Since then the ALS Association (ALSA) has continued to promote awareness and support.
One way to help support those with ALS is through the Walk to Defeat ALS on Sept. 8. The walk is organized through the Kentucky chapter of the association and is located at the CFSB Center on campus.
Participants will have the opportunity to either walk a mile or a 5K to show support. This walk aims to raise awareness and fundraise for research and support of those with ALS. Research is important because ALS has no cure.
Providing for someone with ALS and their family can be a very expensive task. On average it costs $250,000 a year to support a person living with ALS and to provide for their family’s needs, according to the ALS Association’s website.
People wishing to participate in the walk can do so as an individual or through joining various teams. One local team this year is Team Tammie, which was to support local resident Tammie Riggins.
Riggins worked at the Murray State Foundation for 19 years before being diagnosed with ALS in December 2017. She said she enjoyed being able to get an education for herself and her daughter, as well as the many friends she made.
“The staff at the Foundation was my favorite part,” Riggins said. “They are my second family!”
Riggins said she is excited to have a team in support of her at this walk.
“It is an honor that so many people want to support me and others with this disease,” Riggins said. “So many have donated, too. It is the only way we are going to find a cure for this disease.”
ALS, formally known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive, fatal, neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe, according to the ALSA website.
The association has played a large role in supporting Riggins and others battling ALS.
“I get a lot of practical information from the ALSA, and I go to local ALS support group meetings which are a big help.” Riggins said.
Registration for the Walk to Defeat ALS can be completed online at the ALSA website. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk at 10:15 a.m.