RIers to walk to defeat ALS

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)This morning on The Rhode Show it is the 11 ^th Annual “Walk to Defeat ALS”.

Daryl West and Lauren Higger joined us on set to talk about how this crippling disease has had a recent effect on their lives with the death of their grandfather.

Both Daryl and Lauren became care takers for him as ALS progressed.  

The Walk to Defeat ALS, a National ALS Association Signature Event, was created in efforts to raise ALS awareness and funds for the local chapters of the ALS Association. 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of the motor cells in the spinal cord and brain. 

Most ALS patients succumb to the disease within two to five years from diagnosis.

It is the mission of the Rhode Island Chapter to provide comprehensive services to local ALS patients and families and support ALS research to find a treatment and cure. 

The ALS Association Rhode Island Chapter's 11th Annual “Walk To Defeat ALS” will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2012.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. with the ceremonial walk starting at Noon at Confreda Sport’s Complex, Bend Street, Warwick.

Eyewitness News Anchor Mike Montecalvo will serve as emcee and will be joined by special guests, including former NBA “Rookie of the Year” and Providence College legend Ernie DiGregorio, RI Chapter President John Pagliarini, Mayor Scott Avedisian and members of the National Honor Guard to Kick-off the walk and event festivities.

New this Year-- Joe’s Backyard Band will play a festive musical mix of hand-clapping rhythms and harmonies to entertain participants of all ages!

There will be lots of food and fun activities including a bouncy house, a huge raffle, autographs by Ernie DiGregorio and the Coventry HS Cheerleaders to set the stage for a fun day!

Advanced Registration is requested.

For more information, to register or donate for the walk or to volunteer,  please call The ALS Association – R. I. Chapter,  (401) 732-1609, or visit the Rhode Island Chapter’s Walk Website at www.walkri.org