Tennis Teams to Take Part in Walk to Defeat ALS
4/29/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
April 29, 2010
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Both the men's and women's tennis teams will participate in the annual Walk to Defeat ALS Saturday, May 1 to help raise awareness for this disease that has personally affected them. The 2010 event will be the fourth in a row that both programs have participated in.
"ALS is very close to my heart as my Dad lost a four year battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease in January of 2009," UA head women's tennis coach Jenny Mainz said. "Despite this devastating disease, my Dad inspired all of us with his uplifting spirit and courageous attitude. He taught all of us much about humility, fortitude and suffering. I'm convinced that this cruel disease affects some of the most extraordinary people who possess the strength to positively affect others."
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. It is estimated to affect 400 people in the state of Alabama alone. ALS patients are usually given a life expectancy of two to five years at the time of diagnosis.
The ALS Association is the largest nation-wide organization dedicated to helping people with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Nearly 90 percent of the money raised from the walks stays in Alabama to provide patient services throughout the state. The rest of the money is used on a national level for research and advocacy.
"I'm moved by the support that our Alabama tennis teams and the UA athletic department have provided," Mainz added. "Their giving spirit and moral support to all of those affected by ALS is encouraging. I invite all of you to come out and help raise awareness for this progressive and fatal disease. The cause of ALS is still unknown, and, despite extensive research, there is no known cure. Help us keep the hope alive."
Registration for the walk starts at 10:00 a.m. on the University of Alabama Quad. The actual walk is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. For more information including registration information and stories about the disease visit ALSAlabama.org.
