Walking for a cure

Honor guardsmen from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., present the colors while the National Anthem is sung before the Walk to Defeat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis event at the University of South Florida, March 8, 2014. Team Tampa Bay Military raised more than 300 dollars contributing to finding the cause and cure to ALS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman/Released)

Walking for a cure

Supporters from the local community show their respect during the singing of the National Anthem before the Walk to Defeat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis event at the University of South Florida, March 8, 2014. The event raised over 190,000 dollars toward sustaining care services and supporting research for ALS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman/Released)

Walking for a cure

Robert Walker, a Bartow, Fla. fireman, and his Dalmatian, Sergeant Halligan, participate in the Walk to Defeat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis event at the University of South Florida, March 8, 2014. The event raised over 190,000 dollars toward sustaining care services and supporting research for ALS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman/Released)

Walking for a cure

Members from Team MacDill cross the finish line after a 2K walk at the University of South Florida in support of the Walk to Defeat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis event, March 8, 2014. ALS, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman/Released)

Service members walk for a cause

Published March 17, 2014
By Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman
6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

TAMPA, Fla. -- More than 20 service members laced up their tennis shoes to show their support during the "Walk to Defeat ALS" event by walking two miles at the University of South Florida, March 8, 2014.

The focus of the event was to support those currently affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease" and to raise funds in an effort to find the cause and cure.

"It was awesome to be a part of such a large and diverse group coming together to support such an important cause," expressed Senior Airman Arielle Watson, 6th Communications Squadron command support staff.

Walkers were able to start checking in at 9 a.m. then enjoy live music, free food and the sponsor booths.

Individuals who raised more than 75 dollars for the occasion received a t-shirt.

The kick-off of the event featured honor guardsmen from MacDill Air Force who presented the colors during the National Anthem followed by a ribbon cutting that signify the start of the walk.

"Prior to attending the event I didn't have an extensive knowledge of the disease. I'm glad I could be part of what could one day lead to a cure," expressed Spc. Caleb Jefferson, U.S. Army Public Helath Command animal care specialist.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS leads to paralysis and eventually death.

The cause and cure of this crippling disease still remains unknown.

Although this disorder has not been fully understood, the condition is real. People are suffering without knowing how to treat their cognitive disorder.

"It's a scary thought to be helpless against anything," stated Staff Sgt. Shannon Hutto, 6th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer. "Hopefully, walking for this cause will bring awareness to the world and steps will be made to defeat the symptoms for Lou Gehrig's Disease."

There are 5,600 people in the U.S. that are diagnosed with ALS each year. Studies show that military personnel are more likely to contract ALS than the rest of society.

Service members donated more than 300 dollars toward finding a cause and cure for ALS.