BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The goal was to raise $205,000. In total, more than $214,000 was raised to find a cure at the annual walk to defeat ALS.
"ALS is a neuro-muscular disease...your muscles stop working, legs arms, start losing ability to speak swallow eventually to breathe, dying off of muscles throughout the body," said Care Services Coordinator at ALS Association Julie Garland.
Hundreds came out to Delaware Park with colored lanyards on to show their support for the cause.
Lisa Kubek wore a gold lanyard, to show that she is living with a form of ALS called PLS. She was diagnosed 10 years ago.
"My mother has been the picture of perseverance and pushing forward every day making sure that this disease this is not what defines her, that she still gets up every day and lives her life for her and not the disease," said her son, Joe.
Lisa led the way with 800 walkers following behind her.
"[It's] so inspiring that these families have so much to deal with and yet the come out they support us," said Garland.
A lot of that money goes to helping those families.
"The money we raise here stays local and goes directly into programming for our families, we can offer them support and equipment and things that they need in their everyday lives," said Garland.
There are three more walks in the area, in Rochester, Binghamton and Syracuse.
For more information, see the ALS Association website.
