ALS Fundraising Efforts Span Four States

Communities in Indiana, California, New York and Illinois are organizing ALS walks to raise money for research, patient care and support services. In Fort Wayne, retired educator Amelia Pflieger helped launch a walk after her ALS diagnosis; organizers said Indiana’s association had raised $33,000 and counting for research. The Inland Empire Walk & Roll in Fontana aims to raise $75,000 for California programs, legislation and research, while Albany’s Walk to Strike Out ALS will fund local patient services, equipment and research. In Illinois, a family honoring former teacher Stephanie Kennedy has raised nearly $30,000 for the Les Turner ALS Foundation, which supported her care, and is promoting local and Chicago walks. Participants and families emphasized the value of community support and called for continued research toward treatments and a cure.