The sun rose slowly on September 7, 2013, the sunlight reflecting pinks and golds on the water of Henderson Lake. 

The cool morning air had citizens from Lethbridge and surrounding areas shivering slightly. Regardless of the mist on their breath, participants put on their running shoes and tied their laces; ready to walk for a cause; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS, is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the famous American baseball player who died of the disease in 1941. ALS is a progressive and fatal disease, which has no known cause, cure or drug therapy. Those who are subject to fate and diagnosed with ALS do not typically survive beyond two to three years. The disease quickly robs the individual of the ability to walk, talk, and to breathe; which is why their loved ones walk for them, and give a voice to those who can no longer speak..

Much like the famous Terry Fox run, the ALS Society of Alberta holds a Canada walk for all those who are effected by the disease; whether first or second hand. 

Walk for ALS is a fun, family friendly event that occurs across the country in more than  94 walk locations. The walk gives family and friends a chance to hear from others effected and raise money.

I was there on Saturday, and I was able to see others educated on the subject, what they can expect, and how they can support their loved one while they slowly lose their fight to live.

It was was barely the afternoon when the walk finished, and among the feelings of fatigue, sadness, worry, anger, loss, helplessness, and frustration, one feeling was expressed more than anything; hope. Hope for our loved ones, and ourselves.

By the end of the walk, when our shoes were soiled from the dew on the grass, our shoelaces browned from the dirt on the sidewalks, and new friends were found in the crowds, there was a sense of community and satisfaction.