2026 Winston-Salem Walk: Mrs Hannah Virga - ALS United North Carolina

In January of this year, our world was flipped upside down by three simple letters : A L S.

Our dad, Iron Man, triathlete, avid hiker, and dog walker was diagnosed with ALS. After initial diagnosis, I think we all shed enough tears to fill a community swimming pool. But the “what next” question filled our heads. We were very fortunate to get into the Duke ALS clinic the following month (thanks to a last-minute cancellation) and spent the day meeting an incredible team of neurologists, therapists and so many others.

As we were leaving Duke, I noticed my Dad give a fellow ALS warrior some hope, telling him to “stay strong” and offering him a fist bump. I think we knew in that moment what kind of ALS warrior and advocate our Dad would be. He immediately wanted to volunteer and get involved in whatever way he could. He wanted the chance to support his “tribe” as he calls it.

The thing about ALS is that it doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender, ethnicity, or age. It’s estimated nearly 1,000 people in North Carolina live with ALS with nearly 150 new annual diagnoses (via ALS United NC chapter). And once those three letters come, your entire world changes.

One day while spending time with his grandchildren, one of them asked why Papa T had a “wonky walk” and it made all of us chuckle… the words of six-year-olds! So our team, Team “Papa T has a Wonky Walk” asks for your support raising awareness and donations to fund more and more ALS research, there can never be enough! Together, we hope to see a day where no one has to hear those three simple letters: A L S.

We dedicate this walk and walk alongside our dad, husband, brother, friend and Papa T (to 5 incredible grandchildren). Now let’s walk a little wonky together until we find a cure!!!

A little more information about ALS:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, talk, 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, at any age and there is still no known cause or cure.

That's why I'm walking. To build a future without ALS. To bring help and hope to patients and families affected by this terrible disease, in the hopes that one day ALS is a disease of the past.

Over the past few years, there have been advancements in ALS research, as well as expanded resources and access to care for people living with ALS.

But now, more than ever, we need to keep the momentum going. We need to continue to push for more treatments and find a cure for ALS.

Please consider joining me at the walk - we will walk and roll together, united with wheelchairs and scooters, families, neighbors and friends, strollers and pets – all are welcome! If you can't make it to the walk, please consider making a donation. With your support, we can make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease right here in North Carolina.