Did you know May is ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Awareness Month?! We certainly did not until we learned about an awesome charity run on July 14th, the Strike Out ALS 5K.  Go beyond the ice bucket and #challengeALS by raising awareness and funds to help the Chicago ALS community.  Just in case you missed the chilly frenzy, here is a quick description of ALS from the Les Turner Foundation:

“ALS—often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease or Motor Neuron Disease (MND)—is a progressive, degenerative disease affecting motor neurons. In ALS, motor neurons gradually cease functioning and die. As this happens, the muscle tissues waste away because no movement is being stimulated. This results in gradually worsening muscle weakness, atrophy and often spasticity. Only the motor neurons are affected. Other nerve cells, such as sensory neurons that bring information from sense organs to the brain, remain healthy”.

The Strike Out ALS 5K is a signature event organized by the Les Turner Foundation, a leader in research, patient support and education that serves over 90% of people with ALS in our community.  As a new person is diagnosed with ALS every 90 seconds, runners are encouraged to garner $90 in donations.

Ready to run? Participants in the The Strike Out ALS 5K get to walk or run on US Cellular Field (you’ll always be Comiskey to us, “Cell”) just like a White Sox player, and will continue on their jaunt through the historic Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.  After you finish, join other soxy peeps with drink and bar specials at the field.  This is all while helping make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with ALS.

The Strike Out ALS 5K Event Details:

• When: The race starts at 6:30 pm on Thursday July 14th
• Registration opens on-site at 5:30 pm
• Perks! Post-race party at the ChiSox Bar and Grill includes reduced priced menu and $3 beers
• Fundraising incentives for the top five fundraisers provided by the Chicago White Sox
• Race is emceed by 93.1 WXRT’s morning DJ, Lin Brehmer
• Register here! AND JOIN US!!