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. My Mother Kris Heaton was diagnosed in July of 2023 with ALS, more specifically, SOD1. It all started with what felt like a muscle knot in her left lower calf. We were fortunate enough to get into a specialist in a short period of time to get her evaluated and inquire about treatments to slow progression of the disease. Her Father, Ronald Orie Smith, sadly passed away in approximately 7 months from his diagnosis. We knew time was not our friend for getting her started on trying medication to give her and us more time. Her BCBS insurance has denied her for coverage of Toferson. She is still getting treatments and feels it has slowed progression. She now uses a power wheelchair (big thanks to Team Gleason) for longer distances. We hate this disease and want to help raise awareness and funds to further advance research on ALS and stop it! For anyone who doesn’t know what ALS is: 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. The past two 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.