The ALS Association is a national nonprofit whose central mission is “to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest” (als.org). The organization is on the forefront of international research, public policy, access to care and advocacy surrounding ALS. Ultimately, their aim is to discover treatments and cure the disease, all while doing whatever possible to provide a better quality of life and establish hope for those who suffer from ALS. The ALS Association has local chapters throughout the country, advocating and fundraising for ALS communities far and wide. By way of significant public policy efforts including the National ALS Advocacy Conference, this organization has already made major contributions to the cause, increased federal funding and accelerated the discovery of new ALS treatments.

Last Saturday, April 9th, The ALS Association hosted their ‘Walk to Defeat ALS’ event in Jacksonville, Florida. The event takes place on a yearly basis locally, state wide and across the country. In Florida alone, over 11 yearly walks are held with the Jacksonville walk being the number one event in the city bringing awareness and fundraising to the table for the local ALS community. The objective of these events is to raise awareness about the disease and fundraise for the development of crucial innovation working towards a treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS. This year’s event met at the Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery and the association managed to raise 69% of their $265,000 fundraising goal. If you would like to help bring them closer to their goal and donate now, please visit the following link and give what you can to support this important cause: https://donate.fl.als.org/give/358390/#!/donation/checkout

The event brought together a passionate part of the community whose efforts directly impact local people living with ALS and their families. Fickling Construction is grateful to the ALS Association for bringing Walk to Defeat ALS to our city and we have to choose to support The ALS Association’s efforts in putting on this event each year. Our organization sees great importance in the act of bringing our city together to advocate for a community that deserves our support. We firmly believe in the ALS’s efforts in working toward a treatment and cure for ALS, and we stand by them proudly.