Community Corner

Celebs Join Thousands Walking to Defeat ALS in East Meadow

Annual Walk to Defeat ALS held on Sunday at Eisenhower Park.

Former host of The View, Debbie Matenopoulos, and ex-New York Ranger, Ron Greschner, were in East Meadow to help raise awareness and support teams taking part in the Walk to Defeat ALS, held in Eisenhower Park on Sunday.

According to the organization, the Long Island Walk to Defeat ALS is the largest of its kind in the country with over 5,000 participants estimated to have taken part this year. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease with no known cure or treatment. Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig died from ALS in 1941 and the disease it is now generally known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"We hope to raise $700,000 for our research, patient services and advocacy programs," said Dorine Gordon, CEO of The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter, during the walk. Last year the chapter raised over $2,000,000 from its seven regional walks combined. 

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This was the 13th year the Walk to Defeat ALS has been held on Long Island. According to its website, the Greater New York Chapter of The ALS Association serves patients and families throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and Northern and Central New Jersey. The mission of the organization is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS.

Check out our video of the event. To donate to the Long Island Walk to Defeat ALS, click here.

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