Inaugural ALS United Walk held in Rehoboth

The inaugural Rehoboth ALS United Walk along the Boardwalk of Rehoboth Beach was held Sept. 7, serving not only as the signature event of ALS United, but also a fundraiser to benefit the full range of services and support needed by those living with ALS.

ALS is a 100% fatal disease involving the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The life expectancy of someone diagnosed with ALS is two to four years. Patients lose muscle function, resulting in the inability to speak, swallow, walk, grab objects, move and breathe. Almost 90% of cases occur without a family history, and onset is usually between the ages of 40 and 70 years old.

“People living with ALS and their families come first in everything we do,” said Donna Cleary, director of development for ALS United Mid-Atlantic. “And everything we do supports the search for effective treatments and cures for ALS. There’s a community uniting around the goal of ending ALS. We’re thrilled that we’re able to celebrate the first Rehoboth ALS United Walk.”