2024 Walk To Defeat ALS in Washington, DC

Sharing all about my experience attending the 2024 Walk to Defeat ALS in Washington, DC on October 5, 2024.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the Walk to Defeat ALS in Washington, DC, and I have to say, it was such a fulfilling experience. It was my second year walking with Team LimpBroozkit which is championed by my dear friend Brooke Eby who was diagnosed with ALS at 33. She has done so many INSANELY INCREDIBLE things for the ALS community (advocacy at the very top), including her most recent announcement of joining forces with her employer, SalesForce, to launch a Slack channel specifically for those who have been diagnosed.

For those unfamiliar, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, it leads to the loss of muscle control, impacting a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. The disease progresses at different rates for different people, but unfortunately, there’s no cure yet, which is why events like this are so important. Every dollar raised goes toward finding treatments and supporting those currently battling ALS, like Brooke.

2024 Walk To Defeat ALS in Washington, DC

Last year for our walk, it was an absolute downpour, so it was amazing that the weather couldn’t have been more perfect yesterday. It was one of those early October days where the breeze was just right in the morning (it was even a little cool), but once the sun was shining, it warmed right up.

This year, our team raised more than $80,000 for ALS (top team in DC – woo!) and Brooke was the top fundraiser of all participants. You can still donate until January 31, 2025 to support our team, if you want.

As we gathered at the starting point, it was heartening to see how many people had come together for this cause. Families, friends, caregivers, and even strangers who just wanted to support the community affected by ALS were all present. The energy was contagious, with so many teams sporting matching t-shirts and holding signs with messages of hope, remembrance, and support.

Brooke’s nieces sang the National Anthem to kick everything off (they’re really good!) and before I knew it, we were off on our way around the Washington Monument. The walk itself is pretty short (just one loop), but there are incredible signs along the way that give facts and stats about ALS (like it takes $2 billion to find and fund medication for this disease…!).

All in all, it was an amazing day and I’m so glad I got to be part of it. I’m already looking forward to next year and if you’re on the fence about making a team/participating (whether you are a family member, friend, or advocate), I cannot say enough good things about this walk!