Published August 12, 2020

WAKEFIELD — The Angel Fund for ALS Research will hold its 19th annual Walk of Hope for ALS as a virtual walk on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Walkers can participate in the 3.2-mile walk from anywhere in the world as individuals or as a team. Walkers of all abilities and ages are encouraged to participate in support of ALS research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Medical School in Worcester under the director of Dr. Robert H. Brown, Jr.

ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive, always fatal neuromuscular disease which leads to muscle weakness and as it progresses, results in total paralysis and the inability to speak and swallow while the mind and senses remain intact.

“With the COVID-19 restrictions in place, and keeping our Angel Fund family safe, we made the decision not to have the physical walk in Wakefield this year,” said Angel Fund President Rich Kennedy. “Although we can’t all be together on Sept. 12, we can still celebrate our walkers who continue to support The Angel Fund. Our virtual walk lets everyone continue their support in their own neighborhoods. Walkers can now walk from anywhere in the world.”

The virtual walk will begin at 11 a.m. with remarks from Kennedy and Dr. Brown. Walkers will leave their locations at this time and walk the 3.2 miles — the same distance as the walk that is traditionally held around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield.

To register as a walker or to register a team, log onto The Angel Fund for ALS Research website at www.theangelfund.org or call the organization at 781-245-7070. The top five teams that raise the most money will be treated to a pizza party at their walk location. Those who walk as a team at their own location are reminded of the importance of following CDC guidelines and practicing social distancing at their walk.

Donations to the Angel Fund for ALS Research can also be made online, or can be sent to The Angel Fund, 649 Main St., Wakefield, MA 01880. All donations should be made payable to The Angel Fund for ALS Research. To assist its walkers, The Angel Fund for ALS Research has joined www.classy.org, which enables them to create their own webpage to raise money online. Registered walkers can create their page at https://www.classy.org/event/virtual-walk-of-hope-for-als-2020/e292468.

In addition to the team fundraising incentives, walkers who participate individually or as a team can receive the following based on their donations:

• Individual donations of $100 will receive a custom-made Angel Fund mask.

• Individual donations of $250 will receive a special water bottle and a custom-made Angel Fund mask.

• Individual donations of $500 will receive a folding Angel Fund chair, water bottle and a custom-made Angel Fund mask.

• Individual donations of $1,000 will receive a backpack cooler and Harpoon beer to fill the cooler.

Corporate sponsorships for the Walk of Hope for ALS are also available for the virtual walk.

More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.theangelfund.org or by calling 781-245-7070.

The Angel Fund for ALS Research conducts other fundraising events throughout the year, which along with individual and corporate donations, have been beneficial in helping make significant strides in ALS research.

More information about The Angel Fund for ALS Research can be found at www.theangelfund.org.