The ALS Association’s annual Walk To Defeat ALS fundraiser will happen on Sunday, Aug. 20 at Kingston Stadium. Check-in will be at 9:00 a.m. and the event will start at 10:00 a.m.

Signing up to participate in the walk is free, however, donations and fundraising are encouraged and will go into researching treatment, improving patients’ quality of life and supporting families.  

ALS—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—is a neurodegenerative disease that gradually affects the nerves in the spinal cord and brain, leading to loss of muscle use over time. The association holds multiple fundraising events each year, with funds going to both research and assisting patients. 

“We hold golf outings, walks, DIY events, concerts and more,” ALS Association Director of Development Eric Grundfast said. “Donations come in throughout the year from foundations, partners, walk participants and other donors.”

The walk has gone on in Iowa since 1999 and worked with many different corporate sponsors over the years. Local grocery store chain Hy-Vee has supported the Iowa chapter since 2003.

“Hy-Vee is very involved in ALS and each organization we support,” External Relations Manager Scott Smith said. “Volunteering alongside our nonprofit organizations like ALS allows our Hy-Vee employees, whether they have family or friends living with ALS, to understand better the condition and why this organization is important to support.”

There are multiple different walks throughout the year and country. At the moment, Hy-Vee works with 11 different walks in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

“Hy-Vee will also have our Healthy Mobile Unit on-site at many of these walks,” Smith said. “That unit is staffed with healthcare workers, including Pharmacists and trained dieticians who will offer information about ALS and other important health information Hy-Vee provides daily to our community.”

Everyone within the association knows how important urgent fundraising is for a disease like ALS. With anywhere from two to five years to live once diagnosed, yearly funds from the community are vital. 

“By participating in the Walk, our community is helping us fight on every front to change the future for those living with ALS. I encourage our community to join us in Walk to Defeat ALS in Cedar Rapids,” ALS Association Territory Executive Josh Nuss said.