About the Hike

For the 2,500 - 3,000 Canadians who suffer from the devastating effects of ALS, taking even small steps requires a big effort.

ALS Ontario asks you to take the steps for those who cannot.

ALS Ontario invites your family to join us and take part in the "2011 Hike for ALS and Family Fun Day" on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 at the Kortright Centre for Conservation located at 9550 Pine Valley Drive, in Woodbridge, Ontario. We're taking to the trails in support of client services for those living with ALS and relevant research.

The day will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will include a variety of great activities for children and adults including jumping castles, face painting, balloons, games, cotton candy, a barbeque lunch and much more! There will also be a raffle with many fantastic prizes.

From a handful of participants in 2005 to more than 500 in 2010, the "Hike of ALS" is gaining momentum, and raised more than $75,000 last year. This year we are expecting thousands of participants and will raise even more for support service programs and research. We are dedicated to facilitating the best possible support, care and treatment for people with ALS and engaging in advocacy, raising awareness and education.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, has no known cause, no cure and no effective treatment. It is a devastating neuromuscular disease which affects the nervous system and over time, people with ALS lose the ability to eat, drink, speak, walk and breathe. Eventually they cannot hug or speak to those they love. According to the World Health Organization, neurodegenerative diseases are predicted to surpass cancer as the second leading cause of death in Canada by 2040. There are approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Canadians living with it today, and, statistically, eighty percent will die within two to five years due to respiratory failure.