Walk Benefits Those With ALS in Northeast Nebraska

NORFOLK - They walk for their loved ones. They walk for their friends. They walk for those no longer with us. Hundreds came to Norfolk’s Skyview Lake for the annual ALS in the Heartland Walk. The event raises money and awareness in the fight against ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Organizers say it’s important for those with ALS to know they’re not alone. “I think sometimes when people are diagnosed with this disease they describe it as an orphan disease,” said Tammy Stalzer with ALS of the Heartland. “They think ‘Lou Gehrig and I had this disease.’ and it’s not true. There are actually a lot of people living in the area right now with the disease, and it’s nice to bring them together.” The almost two-mile walk around Skyview Lake also served as a fundraiser. Since ALS in the Heartland is based in Nebraska, that money will serve people in the Norfolk and Columbus areas. “Maybe we can offer them a communication device that allows them to keep speaking and tell people they love them,” said Stalzer. “Or it gives a caregiver a break so we can get a licensed caregiver to come in and help take care so the husband or wife can go shopping.” ALSITH is able to keep all of the proceeds of the event local since they don’t operate under the umbrella of a national organization.