Hello friends, family, colleagues, and more! I am running the New York City Marathon with Team ALS to support those affected by ALS and to spread awarness of this disease that ultimately took my mother's life 6 years ago. My beautiful mother, Irma Perez, fought every single day with determination, strength, and courage. That is how I remember her, and what I plan to embody during my 26.2 miles. By partnering with ALS United Greater New York, all of the funds that I raise will go towards where it's needed most: vital research, community support, and patient services.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects cells in the brain and spinal cord. Presently, there is no known cure for ALS.

• Every ninety minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease, and someone passes away from it.
• 90% of ALS cases occur without any known family history or genetic cause. The remaining 10% of ALS cases are inherited through a mutated gene with a known connection to the disease.
• 55 is the average age of onset with most people who develop ALS between the ages of 40 and 70. However, cases of the disease do occur in people in their twenties and thirties.
• ALS is 20% more common in men than women. However, with increasing age, the incidence of ALS is more equal between men and women.
• Military veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease than the general public for yet unknown reasons.

I joined Team ALS to push my physical limits for those who can't anymore. I want to bring hope, raise awareness and make an impact - and you can help me! Please donate, because -

Together, We End ALS!