ALS Steps for Hope
Two years ago, it was nearly impossible to go online with seeing another video of someone dousing themselves with ice water in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The campaign raised awareness for the muscular degenerative disease commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” after the famous baseball player who lost his life to the disease in 1941.
Though the Ice Bucket Challenge was a huge success, there is still a lot of research that needs to be done before there is a cure for ALS. The 3rd Annual ALS Steps for Hope event aims to make sure this mission isn’t forgotten. All proceeds from the 1-mile walk through Wildwood Zoo or 5K run raises funds for ALS research at Marshfield Clinic.
The first event was held in September of 2014 to Honor John Braun, who lost his battle to ALS in February of 2014.
“John was a loving, kind, and serving man who devoted his life to God, his family and other people he had met along his journey of life,” said Lynn Braun, event coordinator and John’s daughter-in-law. “Even in his absence he has found a way to serve through the ALS Steps for Hope event. With his spirit at the heart of this event, this event is a testament to John Braun’s legacy of service.”
She added that the event was also started to help raise awareness for a disease that not many people know a lot about, and to raise funds for ALS research being conducted at Marshfield Clinic.
“We want to provide hope for future generations that with every dollar we raise for research, they will be that much closer to a cure and perhaps our children won’t have to have a no survivors outcome if diagnosed with ALS,” she said.
The event begins with photos at the ALS Steps for Hope Photobooth, which has a #ChallengeALS theme this year. There are also about 15 family-donated raffle baskets that include a pair of Badger Football Tickets, Coffee & More, Kids, Legos, Back to school, Hand Made items, Wine & more, Chocolate Lovers, and Lots More! At noon, there will be a family style picnic lunch where coordinators will hand out 5K Fun Run awards, door prizes, and draw the winners for the basket raffle.
“It’s a great cause to combat against a disease that can strike anyone at any time,” said Lynn. “This disease has no preferences on male, female, young, or old. The impact of this disease doesn’t end with the person diagnosed with ALS. It is felt throughout that person’s entire family and support system.”
She added that even if ALS isn’t a passion, it’s still a great way to spend the day with family and participate in Central Wisconsin’s only ALS walk/run event.
“Our goal is to bring together anyone who is touched by this deadly disease in the Central Wisconsin area, and beyond, to continue to provide hope!”
The ALS Steps for Hope event will take place on August 27. Visit Marshfield Clinic Development’s website to register for the event. Registration by August 12th ensures a shirt on the day of the event.
Day-of Schedule
9:00 am Registration Begins
10:30 am Family Welcome
11:00 am 5K begins (new this year!)
11:30 am Walk Begins
Noon Family Picnic Lunch
12:30 pm Fun Run Awards
12:45 pm Basket Raffle Drawings
Must be present to win
Reminders
1-mile family friendly walk through Wildwood Park and Zoo.
Please no pets or skateboards.
Strollers, wagons, wheelchairs welcome.
