Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a disease of the parts of the nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. In ALS, motor neurons (nerve cells that control muscle cells) are gradually lost. As these motor neurons are lost, the muscles they control become weak and then nonfunctional.
In the United States, ALS is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the Yankees baseball player who died of it in 1941. Once diagnosed with ALS, the prognosis is certain death within three to five years. ALS knows no boundaries—demographic, geographic, racial, or socioeconomic. Today, there is no known cure. Today, there are no survivors.
The Everyday Heroes Gala is an evening supporting ALS research and honoring fallen heroes, as well as those heroes who are currently battling ALS. The event was started in loving memory of one of Chattanooga’s heroes, Calder Willingham.
Mr. Willingham lost his battle with ALS shortly after being diagnosed. One of Mr. Willingham’s last wishes was for his family and friends to continue the fight against ALS.
Since its inception, the Gala has raised over $525,000 for ALS Research. Funds raised at the Gala are earmarked by the ALS Division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.als.mda.org). MDA is the world leader in the fight against ALS, with support of research and services that surpasses the combined efforts of all other nongovernmental health agencies dedicated to ALS.
The Gala will be held Saturday, April 26, at the Chattanoogan Hotel at 6:30 p.m. The Celebrity Allstars band will be playing. There will also be a cocktail hour, photo booth, dinner, drinks, dancing, and more. Black tie is optional. This event raises awareness and research for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. For more information, visit www.everydayheroesgala.com or https://m.facebook.com/EverydayHeroesGala