Steppin' it up to beat ALS

Updated: Sunday, 04 Oct 2009, 9:38 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 02 Oct 2009, 9:59 PM EDT

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wavy_health_one_step_in_journey_to_beat_als_20091001

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - It takes a life every 90 minutes; that's the deadly timetable of ALS , otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It's a degenerative disease that strikes nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

But Hampton Roads is leading the fight against ALS , one step at a time.

On Sunday, our very own Bruce Rader emceed the 2nd Annual JT Walk & Beach Party. The walk brought in close to $2 million dollars to help fund ALS programs and projects.

Thousands, possibly 9,000, walked in this year's event making it the largest ALS walk ever in the U.S.

The walk was inspired by Virginia Beach resident Josh Thompson's (JT) battle with the disease.

Bruce Thompson , JT's dad, is grateful for last year's stunning turnout along the Oceanfront for an event he helped organize -- 7,000 people on a record-setting million dollar walk.

"Given the opportunity to do something great, they're there," said Thompson. "I said Josh, 'it's because of you man, people care about and love you.'"

JT was an avid surfer before being diagnosed with ALS two years ago.

Now, JT's dad, one of the biggest land developers in Hampton Roads, will break ground this weekend on another venture -- a brand new park for the disabled.

The walk ran from 31st Street to 1st street, where the new park's groundbreaking ceremony was held. The park will be called "Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for EveryBODY."

Thompson said, "This by far will be my greatest personal accomplishment." And it was all inspired by a son named Josh.

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