Walk to Defeat ALS marks 25 years of fundraising event in US
ALS Association bills event as world's largest to support patients, research
The ALS Association’s Walk to Defeat ALS fundraising event this year is marking 25 years of bringing together people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their families to offer support and raise funds for advancing research and improving care for those living with the disease.
With a total of 80 walking events across the U.S., involving nearly 50,000 participants and volunteers, this is the world’s largest event supporting people with ALS, their loved ones, and their friends, the nonprofit noted.
“For 25 years, the Walk to Defeat ALS has brought the ALS community together,” Calaneet Balas, president and CEO of the ALS Association, said in a press release from the nonprofit. “Each Walk brings us closer to making ALS livable and finding a cure. Thanks to the dedication of our participants, volunteers and our national sponsors, we’ve been able to transform hope into action for people living with ALS and their families.”
Funds raised through the event have allowed the nonprofit to advance research that has contributed to the development of new ALS treatments, such as Qalsody (tofersen), and to aid in the discovery of new ALS genes and therapeutic targets for future therapies.
The association also has helped to fund the HEALEY ALS platform trial (NCT04297683), which is testing multiple therapies simultaneously to advance drug development with fewer costs. The fundraiser further has supported the ALS Association’s participation in global research collaborations to advance other research projects.
Supporters can join a Walk to Defeat ALS event in any state
Raised funds from the Walk to Defeat ALS have also contributed to a large number of advocacy efforts and legislation changes, and have supported the creation of resources and accessibility programs for improving care services. These include access to multidisciplinary care through the association’s certified treatment centers of excellence and recognized treatment centers, educational events and materials, access to transportation, and equipment loans.
During the first half of 2025, 12 more Walk to Defeat ALS events will take place at various locations in the U.S., with many more being planned for the rest of the year. Locations for upcoming walks include:
- Orlando, Florida, on March 15
- Sarasota, Florida, on April 12
- Jacksonville, Florida, on April 12
- Kingsport, Tennessee, on April 26
- Safety Harbor, Florida, on April 26
- North Miami, Florida, on May 3
- Coralville, Iowa, on May 4
- Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, on May 31.
Participants may register for the free events online or by contacting the event’s organization team by phone. Patients and supporters of all ages are welcome to join, and participants can go solo or join a team. Details of each event, including check-in and walk start time, location, walk distance, and fundraising goals are available on the registration page.
There are several tools and tips to help participants raise funds, such as a participation guide and a team captain guide, as well as a Walk Collection Envelope where participants can keep and track the donations they’ve received.
Participants can also connect their fundraising page with Facebook’s Fundraising platform to easily ask for support in their network. Although there is no fundraising minimum, those who raise at least $100 for the ALS Association will receive a commemorative t-shirt.
This year’s events are sponsored by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Numotion Foundation, and Permobil Foundation.
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