North Myrtle Beach Comes Together to Walk for a Cause
This past Saturday, beautiful North Myrtle Beach was alive with energy, hope, and community spirit as locals came together for the annual Walk to Defeat ALS. ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a severe neurological disease that affects around 30,000 people nationwide, with approximately 900 of those right here in South Carolina. The Grand Strand has been hosting this important event every fall to raise funds and awareness, and this year was no exception!
A Personal Journey
The heart behind this year’s event was Tim Ritter, a North Myrtle Beach resident who has been battling ALS for nearly a decade. Tim put his heart and soul into organizing the walk, which saw a whopping 215 participants sign up—setting a record for the event! With an initial fundraising goal of $30,000, his team, affectionately named “Ritters Recruits”, raised about $28,000 leading up to the event and are hopeful that this number will rise even higher as donations continue to roll in.
Standing there surrounded by friends and neighbors, Tim couldn’t help but get emotional. “It brings tears to my eyes, quite literally,” he shared. He looked out at the crowd—friends from the neighborhood, families from across the state, and even folks who traveled from as far as Colorado. “It’s just amazing. I can’t express how overwhelmed I am,” he said, clearly touched by the support from the community.
The Impact of Awareness
Meagan Davies, the Development Manager for the ALS Association in South Carolina, was also on hand to witness the incredible turnout. She helps coordinate all four walks across the state, including the one on the Grand Strand. “I’m so happy so many people came out to support such a great cause,” she beamed. The energy in the air was infectious, and everyone seemed to share a common understanding of just how crucial these walks are for raising awareness about ALS.
Meagan’s compassion for the cause is personal. “Getting involved in the mission and knowing people with the disease definitely drove my passion for it. Meeting people all the time that are affected makes it all worth it,” she explained. Her words resonated with many in attendance, further highlighting how impactful community efforts can be.
A Call to Action
One of the significant challenges with ALS is the lack of awareness it often faces. Meagan emphasized that anyone who can support the cause should consider getting involved. “The more we talk about it, the more support we can get for ALS patients and their families. Every little bit helps!”
For those who missed this year’s walk, don’t worry! Sign-ups for the next Walk to Defeat ALS on the Grand Strand will open in just a few months. So, mark your calendars and get ready to show your support next year!
Join the Fight Against ALS
The event this past Saturday wasn’t just a walk; it was a testament to what a community can do when they come together for a common goal. With every step taken, every dollar raised, and every voice lifted, North Myrtle Beach residents are making strides against ALS. Let’s keep the momentum going! Whether you can walk, donate, or just spread the word, every action can help make a difference in the fight against this disease.
So let’s be on the lookout for next year’s event and take every chance we can to uplift our community and support such an essential cause together!
