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.

Our team once again will be walking in memory of my wife, Melanie (Lonnie) Nowak who was diagnosed with ALS and passed away on October 23, 2017. Our team will be walking for the 10th consecutive year in her honor and to help raise needed funds for the ALSA of Upstate NY. Please consider donating or joining our team to raise funds to continue necessary research that hopefully someday will lead to a cure and additional support to those suffering with this illness as well as their families. 

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.