ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a disease that affects the function of nerves and muscles. Over 6,000 people are diagnosed with ALS every year and are given a life expectancy of three years.
Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson (right) with Steve Swope
During the month of August, the ALS Association of Arkansas will be hosting various events to raise funds and awareness for the life threatening disease. The events include the Ice Bucket Challenge on August 11; ALS Poker Run on August 14; The Legacy Gala on August 18; ALS Golf Tournament on August 25; and the Walk to Defeat ALS on August 26.
Learn more about the events happening during ALS Awareness Month here.
Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson (left) with Brian Clark and Jimmy Clark at the ALS Association of Arkansas Corporate Sponsor Breakfast in May
The Importance of the ALS Association: The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The ALS Association covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease. The ALS Association works to keep ALS patients in their homes, surrounded by loved ones, for the term of the disease. On average, it costs $250,000 a year to keep an ALS patient in their home. The ALS Associaton relies heavily on community support and donations in order to provide care and hope to those facing ALS.
About the ALS Association of Arkansas: The Arkansas Chapter was founded in 2006 to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers. Sue Larson was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. At that time, there was no formal assistance to those with ALS in the state of Arkansas. She rallied her closest friends and, in her memory, the Arkansas Chapter was established. Thanks to the request of Sue and the determination of her friends we are able to serve those with ALS in Arkansas today.