2024 Columbus Walk: Ms. Aleksandra Panovska

Thank you for helping my team reach its Walk ALS fundraising goal. We walk in honor and in memory of my mom, who we lost to ALS in 2021. We've proudly raised more than $10,000 in six years, all to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure.

Walk ALS Columbus is especially significant to my family this year because it falls on September 15, my mom's birthday. She would have turned 71. This is also the 10-year anniversary of the viral Ice Bucket Challenge. Since 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge has raised more than $115 million. These funds have led to drastic increases in ALS research funding, hopefully bringing us closer to a breakthrough in diagnosing, treating, and eventually curing this disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure. That's why we're walking. To change the statistics. To bring help and hope to those living with the disease. To ensure that no one ever hears the words: "You have ALS" again.

Your contribution helps countless families just like mine who have been, or are currently, affected by this disease. We benefited greatly from the services and equipment offered by ALS United Ohio and firmly believe in the importance of paying it forward.

Please consider walking with me or contributing toward our team goal. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease right here in central and southern Ohio.

Thank you,

Aleks