A powerful wave of community spirit filled Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Sunday as nearly 1,000 participants came together for the 25th Annual Los Angeles Walk & Roll to Cure ALS. The family-friendly event—full of music, education, exercise, and inspiration—once again served as a rallying point for Southern California families affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
By OGNSC Staff
A powerful wave of community spirit filled Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Sunday as nearly 1,000 participants came together for the 25th Annual Los Angeles Walk & Roll to Cure ALS. The family-friendly event—full of music, education, exercise, and inspiration—once again served as a rallying point for Southern California families affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Supporters, caregivers, medical professionals, and people living with ALS gathered for a morning dedicated to awareness and hope. By day’s end, the event raised more than $310,000 toward its $500,000 goal, with funds supporting the ALS Network and the more than 2,000 families they serve across the region.
A Community United
Attendees formed teams honoring loved ones currently battling ALS as well as those who have passed, turning the stadium concourse into a sea of signs, matching shirts, and heartfelt messages. Organizers said the energy throughout the morning showed exactly why the Walk & Roll has become a cornerstone event for the ALS community since its launch in 2001.
“It’s always more than a fundraiser—it’s a reunion, a moment to lean on each other, and a reminder that no one facing ALS is alone,” one volunteer shared.
Understanding ALS
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative illness that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease progresses, individuals lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe, even while their minds and senses remain fully intact.
The disease disproportionately affects military veterans, who are diagnosed at nearly twice the rate of the general population. Currently, there is no cure and only limited treatment options—an urgent reality that underscores the importance of continuing research and community support.
Funding Care and Fueling Hope
Proceeds from the Walk & Roll support a wide range of free services provided by the ALS Network, including equipment loans, multidisciplinary clinical care, education, and family support programs. The event also fuels ongoing research aimed at prevention strategies, more effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
For many families, the event is a yearly lifeline. “We come back every year because this mission matters,” said one participant walking in honor of a spouse. “Every dollar raised moves us closer to answers.”
How to Support
For those who could not attend Sunday’s event, donations are still being accepted. Community members can contribute today at alswalklosangeles.org, helping the Walk & Roll reach its $500,000 fundraising goal and continuing the mission of supporting families living with ALS.