RALEIGH, N.C., June 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association -- Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, is gearing up for the fall Walk to D'Feet ALS schedule. The four walks will be held as follows:
-- Piedmont Triad: Sat., Sept. 11 at The Winston-Salem Warthogs Ernie
Shore Field
-- Hertford, N.C.: Sat., Sept. 18 at Perquimans County High School
-- Down East: Sat., Sept. 18 at The Greenville, N.C. Town Common
-- Triangle: Sat., Oct. 16 at N.C. State's Centennial Campus
The Walk to D'Feet ALS is a major Chapter fundraiser that contributes to public education, awareness, patient services and research. Participants work tirelessly to promote their mission of finding a cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, by raising money for research, as well as patient services. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by patients, care givers and researchers.
For more information on how to get involved with the Walk to D'Feet ALS or to register a team, call toll-free 1-877-568-4347 or visit www.catfishchapter.org.
ALS, a neurodegenerative muscular disorder, affects as many as 30,000 people in the U.S. at any given time, with 5,600 new cases diagnosed annually. With no known cause or cure, The Association strives to provide the needed resources to make living with ALS easier.
The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter was named in honor of the late Jim "Catfish" Hunter, a North Carolinian, major league pitcher and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hunter succumbed to complications of ALS in September 1999, after being diagnosed in 1998. The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter serves both N.C. and S.C., and is one of 39 chapters of The Association; the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS through research, patient support, information dissemination, and public awareness.
Note to Editors: Interviews with The ALS Association, a Walk to D'Feet ALS organizer or a Walk Team can be arranged by contacting Ashley Hurdle with The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter at 1-877-568-4347. This event provides excellent photo opportunities.