2008 Walk to Defeat ALS Kickoff Luncheon for Pines October 4th Walk
by David Landis

Pictured is Christine Kirkley of the ALS Association speaking to volunteers and local organizers at the Kickoff Luncheon at the Woodlands in Ocean Pines in preparation for the 4th Annual Walk to Defeat ALS which will take place on Saturday October 4th.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City has sponsored the Ocean Pines Annual Walks to Defeat ALS since the beginning in 2005 when Kiwanian, Carter Noble was diagnosed with the dreaded disease to which he succumbed the following January 14, 2006. Former Kiwanian, Ken McLaughlin, spearheaded the event in past years, but he too passed away earlier this year from a disease unrelated to ALS. His wife Anita, a Pines resident, is still an organizer for the event.

The 2008 Walk to Defeat ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig's Disease) will take place beginning at 9 AM at the Ocean Pines Swim and Racquet Club with registration for those who have not pre-registered on-line at www.ALSinfo.org. Pre-registration is preferred as participants can enroll as individuals, members of an existing team, or start up a new team of their own by going on-line. The 3 mile Walk through Ocean Pines begins at 10:15 AM. Participants are not required to walk any or all of the course. There is no entry fee to participate, BUT entrants are encouraged to make a donation and/or collect pledges. There will be free refreshments and entertainment. This is the only ALS Walk on the Eastern Shore. The goal is to have participants from all over the Eastern Shore and raise $50,000, which will exceed the 2007 achievement of $42,454 raised for the Ocean Pines 3rd Annual Walk.

PLEASE, register NOW at www.ALSinfo.org or call toll-free at 1-866-348-3257 or locally at 410-208-6296 (John Hannigan, ALS PR Chairman) for more information. We need and appreciate your participation in search of a cure for this dreaded disease.