NORFOLK – A Nebraska non-profit held an annual walk raising support for ALS and creating community support for those with the disease.
The non-profit organization “ALS in the Heartland” held it’s annual walk on Sunday around Skyview Lake in Norfolk. The goal was to raise money for services including counseling, equipment loans, respite programs, and children’s grants.
In addition to raising funds, organizers of the walk hope to bring awareness to disease.
ALS in the Heartland is a Nebraska founded and based organization which serves the needs of those with ALS in over 60 counties in Nebraska and Iowa.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease is a progressive, terminal disease. Individuals maintain their minds, but progressively lose control of muscle movement eventually including the ability to swallow, speak, and breathe. Life expectancy with ALS is less than 5 years.
Event Coordinator Tiffany Kresse says this organization is special because of it’s local roots.
“If somebody comes to us and needs help or needs a piece of equipment, usually that day, that very day, we can give it to them. If they needs counseling, we have people that can talk to them, that very day; immediately. And if they need any other kind of support like respite services or a children’s grant, we can help them that day if they need it.”
Before the walk started, balloons were release in memory of those who has passed away from the disease.
Amber Fiala has been walking in this event for several years in memory of her father, who passed away from ALS several years ago. She says this even is a great way for the community to come together and support each other.
“Our dad did this a couple years before passing away and since then, our family’s made sure that we show our support for ALS In The Heartland and come up with ways to help them reach their goal and raise money to continue to offer support and care for those in the Norfolk and Columbus area.”
With the over 30,000 people nationwide diagnosed with the disease, Kresse hopes this event can bring attention and support to the caretakers and those living with the disease.
