In 2007, a group of young men who had grown up together in Virginia Beach wanted to find a way to give something back to the community that had given them so much. So, they formed the Virginia Gentlemen, a non-profit organization destined to make life better for many people. When founding member Chris Thompson received news that his brother was diagnosed with ALS, the Virginia Gentlemen made Josh’s ALS fight their fight.
Josh Thompson was a fun-loving surfer, husband and father of two sons when he was diagnosed with ALS. Josh was a fighter, so he began his courageous 13 year battle with the disease, inspiring thousands to join him to find a cure and assist other victims of ALS. Through the annual JT Walk, Josh’s friends and family achieved extraordinary results, donating millions to ALS research while also making Virginia Beach more accessible to wounded warriors and kids with disabilities.
Josh lost his battle with ALS on October 29, 2020. But his spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of thousands who will never stop walking for him.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
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.
That’s why we’re participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. To help unlock the mystery of ALS and find the key to treatments a cure. Will you join us?
ABOUT ALS
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. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!
