Charity Runners Run from Rochester, NY to Boston, MA During 400 Mile Relay for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s)

Rochester, NY, July 21, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Ray’s ALS Relay Run Across America was put together by Steven Luther who lost his father to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) Steven’s father, Raymond, relayed across the America in the 80’s to raise money for The University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital Children’s Fund. Steven is honoring his father by re-creating a similar event to raise funds in hopes of curing the fatal disease. Funds will be contributed to ALS Therapy Development Institute, located in Cambridge, MA. ALS TDI (ALS.net) is the world’s first and largest nonprofit biotech focused 100% on ALS research. The run will also be raising funds for Hearts for ALS NY (www.heartsforalsNY.org). Through donations and volunteers they are able to provide equipment, care and monetary support for those locals that are currently fighting ALS.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the paralyzing of voluntary muscles including extremities, swallowing, and breathing. ALS is commonly referred to as The Glass Coffin disease as victims are paralyzed in their own bodies unable to communicate with the world around them. Every day an average of 15 new diagnoses occur. The life expectancy is 2-5 years after diagnosis. Ray’s ALS Relay Run Across America doesn’t believe the disease is incurable, just underfunded. The runners are committed to raising funds to cure the disease.

Each of the runners will be running 4 miles approximately every 4-6 hours for 55 hours straight. They will start in Rochester, NY at 7am July 23rd and will end in Boston at approximately 3pm on Monday July 25th. These estimates are based on an average pace of 8:30 minute miles. The team is comprised of Research Scientists, Doctors, Marathoners, Ultra-Marathoners, a Beauty Queen, Home Health Care-givers, and avid supporters of ALS research. Every one of them has been affected by ALS. The Team: Steven Luther, Brad Virkler, Mike Welden, Fernando Vieira, Alex Calo, Virginia Smith, Malinda Koncar, Angie Darbyson, Kevin Courtney, Rick Conrad, and Allyn Parrino.

If you get a chance to spot our runners take a picture and post some encouragement to social media with hashtag: #ALSRelayRun

To donate visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/raysalsrelayrunacros/fundraiser/stevenluther