The 8th Annual ALS H.O.P.E. Race is a 5K Run/Walk organized by the Physical Therapy Class of 2009 at the Medical University of South Carolina
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Race Day Registration Time: 3:30-5:00 pm
Race Start Time: 5:00pm
Location: Isle of Palms, SC
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. After the famous New York Yankees baseball player, Lou Gehrig, was diagnosed with ALS, the disease became commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. As the disease progresses, voluntary movement and control of the muscles are lost; full paralysis may result, yet the person’s cognition is still intact.
There is currently no cure for ALS, and most people with it will die within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. All proceeds from this race will be donated to the SC chapter of the ALS association – an organization that supports patients diagnosed with ALS and ALS research. The physical therapy class of 2009 at the Medical University of South Carolina is sponsoring this race, and the donations will be made in honor of Becky Cooper Shaffer, Loy Stewart, Susan Sanchez, and in memory of Deb Smith Hoffman, PhD. For more information about ALS, please contact the ALS Organization (www.alsa.org).