Hello All, 

It's officially springtime(even if the snow is still melting in Ithaca) and you all know what that means! The ALS walk draws nearer, and with it come these emails asking for your help. For seven years now, I have walked with family and friends to defeat ALS, raising money and awareness for the cause. Together, we have raised over $100,000, but we can't stop now! We have another opportunity to reunite team 4k, for our veteran walkers and newest recruits to fight this disease together.

As we speak of reuniting, I want to acknowledge how different this year has looked. Today marks the one year anniversary of my dad’s death. The prospect of walking in his memory, rather than in his honor is daunting. Yet, both today and walk-day are still opportunities to honor his legacy. I started walking for him, and I will continue to do so, because our goal remains the same:

The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. Every 90 minutes, another person in this country is diagnosed with the disease. There is currently NO cure, which needs to change.

That's why I'm walking- for those who can't. To bring hope and help to those affected by ALS. To make a difference.

Now I have another statistic for you: the average lifespan from the time of diagnosis is 2-5 years. My dad beat the odds, fighting for over six years. This was possible because of his continuous resilience and strength, but would not be realistic without the support he, alongside our entire family, received from this organization. The equipment that allowed him comfort, including his bed, numerous hoyer lifts, and wheelchairs, were a direct result of these donations and the support provided to this cause. 

I am grateful for every extra moment with him that this organization, and your support, gave me. But the fight did not end with him. So please continue to offer your generous support in any way you can to allow others that same privilege. 

My family and I have been astounded by the donations and kind words over the years. It meant so much to my dad, feeling this strong community rallying around him. Each year, I have seen just how invaluable such a dedicated support system is. His life was better for having this walk, and I know mine is as well. The walk has a wonderful environment filled with love, and makes a lasting impact. So let's do it again!

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, I am joining the movement to cure ALS with hundreds of walkers for the North Jersey Walk to Defeat ALS at Saddle River County Park in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, and I hope to see you there. 

Additional emails will be sent out with more information as we get closer to walk-day. 

My goal for this event is to raise $10,000 and it would be amazing if you could help me reach it. Your one-time, tax-deductible donation will be used to fund research and provide services to those living with ALS. You may also choose to see if your workplace has an employee-match program.

We all have the power to make a difference, I ask you to use it by walking and donating to this cause. Small donations are requested, every amount makes a huge difference. 

It is crucial that we all do our part so walk with us, walk from home, donate; continue to support the cause however you can.

Thank you, 

Livia Kraut

P.S. Please feel free to forward this email to people and encourage them to donate, as well!

Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
https://secure.als-ny.org/site/TR?pg=personal&px=1075508&fr_id=1472&et=8QuNNB5j932b3_4eims_-N2Qhb5yv2nYHPSTQEQLsYz-D_JA9FavIQ

Click here to view the team page for 4K
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
https://secure.als-ny.org/site/TR?pg=team&team_id=11957&fr_id=1472&et=7dXbj022mYFKQPugcxI6VuO1G_4rnI9R9eclO_9hE-oxT8BRoAJCOA