Continuing the success of past years, the ALS Association of Greater New York announces the date of Saturday, Sept. 27 as the next Walk to Defeat ALS on Long Island. One of the largest ALS Association Walks in the country, this year promises to be bigger than ever.

Last year, the ALS Association of Greater New York raised more than $1.67 million through all five regional Walks, the highest amount raised by Walk events of any ALS Association chapter in the United States. In fact, the Long Island Walk to Defeat ALS raised the most of any ALS Association Walk in the country!

The goal is to do even better this year, and with your help the association can continue to raise funds for the care of ALS patients through services and equipment lending, and the funding of important research for care and eventually find a cure.

The 2008 Long Island Walk to Defeat ALS will take place Saturday, Sept. 27 at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m. To register contact Kristina at walk@als-ny.org or 800-672-8857. For more information, visit www.alswalks.org.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Usually fatal within 3-5 years, the disease deprives the victims the use of their bodies, eventually losing the ability to move, speak, eat or breathe on their own. As one of The ALS Association's leading chapters, the Greater New York Chapter plays a major role in promoting the mission to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS.