MDA Muscle Walk

Each year more than five thousand are diagnosed with ALS otherwise known Lou Gerhrig's disease.

The disease attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which controls voluntary muscle movements.

And although researchers are making strides, there is currently there is no cure for the disease.

But today, hundreds hoped to change that by participating in an annual event.

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association it takes seventy dollars to pay for one minute of research for ALS.

And today folks laced up their sneakers to raise funds in hopes of one day wiping out this disease for good.

To the beat of drums hundreds of people took steps to fight an incurable disease at the MDA Muscle Walk.

"It's basically a big fundraiser, family reunion, celebration with our families and everything like that," said Daniel York, MDA's Executive Director.

Families and friends took the pledge by signing their names to help people like, Melanie Owen, who was diagnosed with ALS in July.
For Owen it was a sea of pink that would walk for her, providing strength.

"We are going to do everything as a family to be there for her and help her win this battle," said her brother, David Gee.

And though words are hard to come for Owen, since the disease attacked her tongue rather then her limbs, she says the support is overwhelming.

"It means a lot. Oh-yah," she said.

And with each step they came closer to a cure in hopes of one day wiping out this disease forever.

Coordinators say the event raised more than 26 thousand dollars, which is more than it's ever raised before.

And the nice thing about this money is that it will all stay here locally, helping those fighting muscle diseases right here in Texoma.