Annual Walk to Defeat ALS Raises $200,000

Annual Walk to Defeat ALS Raises $200,000

By Steffen Klenk

On a gorgeous Saturday morning, the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia held their annual Walk to Defeat ALS on the Ocean City Boardwalk on Saturday morning. Brad Firth and his team, Brad’s Boardwalk Bunch, led the procession from the Civic Center down to the Music Pier.

Bob Goudie started the fundraiser sixteen years ago in honor of his wife, Jo Ann, who was diagnosed with ALS in 1999. Since her passing in 2002, Bob has worked closely with other local families and chapters to raise awareness about the disease. Kevin Goudie, Jo Ann’s son, is dedicating this walk in her honor.

Bob’s inspiration has been a major success. To date, more than $2,000,000 has been raised for the ALS Association. Tony Heyl, spokesperson for the Greater Philadelphia chapter, says that their legacy has been impactful throughout South Jersey. “The ALS Association wouldn’t have the prescience it has today without the Goudies. They have raised so much awareness.”

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS affects anyone between the ages of 18 and 90. Nearly 60,000 people are diagnosed annually. There is currently no known cure or treatment for ALS.

Each team in the walk is comprised of family, friends and neighbors. In this very large group of supporters, everyone shared a common story. I had the chance to meet with Mark and Teresa, walking under the team name T’s ALStars. Teresa was diagnosed with ALS last year. They have been involved with the walk for the past two years. “The most difficult part is the loss of function,” the family says. “We hope to provide more awareness of this disease.”

This local ALS chapter provides much in the way of support for the person dealing with the disease and their families. They are a beacon for much needed information; they assist with in-home direct care and have a loaner closet of wheelchairs and ramps, allowing the individual to remain productive until the necessary support equipment can be provided by insurance companies.

Saturday’s Walk to Defeat ALS raised $200,000. A large portion of the money will go toward providing essential care, support and research to those living with the disease.

The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter serves 1,200 members in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. To learn more about the association and its upcoming events, volunteer opportunities or to donate, please visit their website at http://www.alsphiladelphia.org/.