Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS(R) fundraising goal! The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

Last year, my mother Janet Hopkins was diagnosed with ALS. Like most people, I knew very little of this horrible disease until it struck close to home. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rare disease affecting motor neuron cells, which are found in the brain and spinal cord, and are responsible for sending vital messages to one's muscles. As ALS progresses, these cells degenerate and die, the brain can no longer control voluntary movement, and therefore muscles weaken and atrophy. The unavoidable results are loss of speech, breathing issues, paralysis, and eventually death. Currently there is no cure for ALS, nor are there any effective treatment options. The "ice bucket challenge" in recent years raised awareness to this disease , but it is only a beginning. November 1, the ALS Association will be holding the SoCal Virtual Walk to Defeat ALS. I am creating a team to raise money and awareness in honor of my Mom. Please feel welcome to join my virtual Walk team.. And anything you can generously contribute to help us in the fight to find a cure for ALS would be beyond appreciated.

That's why I'm walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: "You Have ALS" again.

Please consider walking with me or sponsoring me. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.