The Walk to End ALS will be a virtual fundraising event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The annual fundraiser held on June 20 supports more than 3,000 Canadians with the disease and their families, honours those who have been lost and offers hope for a future without ALS.
Funds raised during the event will be divided so 40 per cent goes to research and 60 per cent goes to support those affected by the disease.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles in the body that we are typically able to move at will.
Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe.
The ALS Society of BC provides direct support to ALS patients along with their families and caregivers to ensure the best quality of life possible while living with ALS. Support includes an extensive equipment loan program, support groups, psychological support and educational materials.
Funds raised this year for ALS research will be matched dollar for dollar by Brain Canada up to $1 million.
The Canada Brain Research Fund is a partnership between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada, designed to encourage Canadians to increase their support of brain research and maximize the impact and efficiency of those investments.
Register for the Walk at www.walktoendals.ca/british-columbia.
