LETHBRIDGE – The ALS society of Alberta hosted its annual WALK for ALS on Sunday at Henderson Lake.
The walk takes place in over 90 locations across Canada and aims to raise funds and awareness about the disease, as well as provide support for those affected.
“It affects people in our community – families and friends,” said Lethbridge WALK coordinator Amber Ruest. “It’s important to us to support our community in that way.”
ALS is also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It attacks nerves of the body that send messages to the brain, which results in the gradual loss of muscle control, mobility and motor skills.
The Graham family came together for the walk, with members travelling from Strathmore and Calgary. They walked in memory of their father and husband, who lost his battle with ALS in 2009.
The family said the ALS Society made living with the disease much easier for their dad, and they wouldn’t have been to support him without help from the Society.
“They brought him a special chair so he could get up and down,” said daughter Kendra Koponyas. “Kitchen utensils and eating utensils so that he could eat by himself. They just did everything they – were a great support.”
The ALS Society of Alberta said the Lethbridge WALK raised $7,405, not including online pledges expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Approximately $462,000 has been raised from all walks held in the province.
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