Chamber cuts ribbon for ALS Association Philadelphia chapter

The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce recognized member ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter with a ribbon cutting Aug. 14.

Once thought rare, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/ALS is now considered fairly common. A particularly cruel and tragic disease, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, causes wasting and paralysis of the muscles. As it progresses, a person loses the ability to move, eat and ultimately breathe independently. While the disease can strike anyone – regardless of age, gender, race or nationality – studies have found that military veterans are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as the civilian population. On average, ALS claims lives within five years of diagnosis, making research to find better treatments and a cure an urgent priority.

People with ALS, family members, friends, caregivers, and others affected by the disease will come together for the 2018 Rehoboth Beach Walk to Defeat ALS  Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Bandstand in Rehoboth Beach. The event will raise funds for research and community-based patient services programs for people with ALS. The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, with financial support from the Walk to Defeat ALS, is the largest organization supporting people with ALS in Delaware.

“Ten years ago, we created the Rehoboth Beach Walk to Defeat ALS to improve the lives of ALS families in Delaware,” said Mary Ann Wollter, who started the walk in 2008 with her daughter Mary Lou in memory of her husband Gene. “With more fundraising and awareness, and help from new walk teams, we can expand care to more families and get closer to an effective ALS treatment.”

For more information, go to www.rehobothwalktodefeatals.org.