Walk ALS Triangle

Saturday, April 26, 2025

LOCATION: Halifax Mall 300 N Salisbury Street Raleigh NC 27601 or wherever you are on 4/26/25

 

WALK CHECK-IN: 8:30AM                          WALK START: 10:00AM

DISTANCE: 2 Miles

 

Thank you for helping us reach our fundraising goal! Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatment and a cure. Please join our team in the Triangle Walk or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause.

ALS WALK 2024 - IN LOVING MEMORY OF LEW

This year, we will walk in loving memory of Lew Watson and for the cause that meant so much to him, funding ALS Research. 

Lew passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018, at the age of 48. Lew spent his final days battling ALS. Lew was a husband, father, son and cherished friend who left behind a great legacy.

In 2017, Lew raised an impressive $23,811.81 for ALS research at the annual ALS Association Walk, placing first in the individual category. #TeamLew ranked second out of all the participating teams, raising $32,441.81 altogether.

In loving memory of Lew, and to his family, friends with coworkers from Systel Business Equipment who continue to support ALS Research as we all walk in Lew's honor on Sat, April 26th.

 

2025 ALS WALK INITIATIVE

Walk UNITED for a cure!  Walk in honor of Lew and all impacted by ALS!

Let's Make ALS a Livable Disease by 2030!  Be a force of change, donate and Walk with us on Saturday 4/20/24.

 

Wear Your "Fight Like A Watson" t-shirts or come as you are!

 

ABOUT ALS

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.

This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease yet it still costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.

A LETTER FROM LEW

I wanted to share with you my journey. I felt a letter would be the best avenue to share the story.

At the end of 2014, I went to my doctor for a routine yearly check up. He noticed some weakness in my hand. He ordered an MRI that ultimately disproved a pinched nerve theory so he referred me to a neurologist. On December 20th, 2014, I had an EMG Nerve Conduction Test. The neurologist who performed the test is a former Duke Neurologist working in the ALS group. He told me that day that ALS could be a possibility. Obviously, I was in shock and experienced all of the emotions and concerns that accompanied it.

Over Christmas I had more tests; MRIs, Cat scans, blood work, urine sample, a spinal tap, etc. You name it, I had it done. I was referred to another neurologist in January who then referred me to Duke. On Jan 20, a world renowned neurologist at Duke concluded, after ruling out many other different diseases, that I had ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Now the positive side....

After the first month of roller coaster rides with test after test, being diagnosed quickly was a blessing. My faith in God has brought me much peace. I have, for better words, "delegated the worry" with this disease to God. I have prayed for a miracle and I am receiving it not on my timeline but God's. I do not live in the negative light but in the positive. Fear and worry bring separation from God!

I get up every day, do the same things as normal, work, hang with the family and friends, etc. Life moves forward, so I do. I am 100% healthy except for ALS. I have and will continue to work, live life, etc. as normal regardless of any limitations.  Keep on smiling!

There are many trials and mice at Oregon State University have been effectively treated for ALS with phase 1 clinical trials going on now. So, God has a plan!

Most people first ask how can you help? Prayers are first and foremost on the list! My family is strong in our Christian faith but there are moments. I have seen a lot of wonderful people reach out in support. It is nice to see humanity at its best! Next, there is a lot of research money still needed. The ice bucket challenge has brought this nasty disease to the forefront. There are WALKS TO DEFEAT ALS in most major cities, including this the NC Walk coming up on June 26, 2021. With God's help there will be a cure!

Let's see how God's plan unfolds. I am very blessed in numerous ways, not with this disease, but in all that I have seen God provide while living with this disease! Thanks to All and may God Bless You!

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22

And He said..."your faith has made you well; go in peace." -Luke 8:48

 

For all those blessed to have known Lew and his story lets together, never give up, and keep the fight moving forward for a cure! 

 

Thank you for helping us reach our Walk ALS Triangle fundraising goal! Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the Walk ALS Triangle or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause. 

 

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. 

That’s why we’re participating in the Walk ALS Triangle. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. To help unlock the mystery of ALS and find the key to treatments a cure. Will you join us? 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. 

ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!