This is my 24th year walking in the Walk to Defeat ALS. Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS fundraising goal! The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure.That's why I'm walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: “You Have ALS” again. I also walk in memory of my Mom, Bev Connelly, who died of ALS in 2004. ALS also claimed my Mom's sister Doris, their cousin Sharon, my cousin Carol, and my Dad's cousin Bill Ashton. Way too many in my family!The past three years have brought incredible advancements in ALS research, expanded access to care for people living with ALS, and enabled legislation that impacts the quality of life of people with ALS and their families.But, we can't stop now. The key to a cure begins with you. Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. Please support me in my Walk to Defeat ALS. Our walk is on September 7. Will you please sponsor me and our Hoffman Hikers?