The ALS Association launched Unlock ALS to make a difference in the lives of people living with this progressive neurodegenerative disease. Walk to Defeat ALS events get people involved in the ALS Association’s mission, campaigns and activities.

Teresa and Gene Anderson with their dog

Teresa and Gene Anderson, with their dog, Arne, promote Unlock ALS. Research to find a cure is a key focus of the ALS Association.

In 2019, Gene Anderson, founder of Anderson Lock, was diagnosed with ALS.  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” is named after the famous New York Yankees baseball player who was forced to retire after developing the disease in 1939. Gene and Teresa are now retired, and live in Arizona.

Last year, when Cortney learned about ALS Mini-Walks to raise funds and awareness, she quickly signed-up with Chicago’s ALS Association to honor her father. In 2021, Team Gene’s first fundraising goal of $10,000, (which Anderson Lock matched) was reached a week ahead of the event! Tickets for raffle prizes, donated by local businesses, big corporations and individuals, and additional donations, raised a total of $40,000!

Our goal this year is to exceed last year’s total. Here is a link to the TEAM GENE page on the ALS Association’s website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/TEAMGENE

This year’s Team Gene ALS Mini-Walk will be held at 5 pm, Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Once again, pre-registered walkers will meet in the main office parking area, at 850 Oakton Street, in Des Plaines. Canopy tents and tables will be set up, a taco truck will serve tacos to donors, and raffle prize winners will be named.

Walk To Defeat The ALS Association

The vision of the ALS Association is to create a world without ALS. The mission of the ALS Association is “to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.” Unlock ALS Walks are the #1 way supporters raise funds for those living with ALS. There are more than 170 events across the country. In addition, the walk events provide a way to honor those who have lost their lives because of ALS, and serve as a reminder that the key to a cure begins with us.

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