2024 marks our 11th year as a team, raising money and promoting awareness of ALS in our community, and we are so thankful for your support!
Our Team
The Iron Forse team was started by Carrie Cox in memory of her grandmother, Doris Powell, who lost her battle with ALS in 2007. It's our hope that there will one day be a cure for this fatal disease and Iron Forse wants to do all it can to help. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community living with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatment and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the Walk to Defeat ALS® or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Behind the Name
Our team name honors Lou Gehrig whose nickname was the Iron Horse. Gehrig’s battle with ALS began in 1939 when it became apparent the baseball star was weakening. He no longer had the power to hit the ball or run to first base, and simple tasks such as tying his shoes became nearly impossible. He voluntarily took himself out of the lineup in May ending his 2,130 consecutive games played streak, the record at the time. Two months later he was diagnosed with ALS and subsequently retired from baseball with the prognosis of rapidly increasing paralysis and a life expectancy of less than three years. He died less than two years later at the age of 37.
Why We Need Your Help
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease yet it still costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.