May is ALS Awareness Month. ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is an incurable disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement such as the ability to walk, talk and eventually breathe. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed. Every 90 minutes someone loses their battle.

The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter is a nonprofit organization serving the ALS community throughout Illinois providing care services, advocating and investing in research in the fight against ALS.

ALS gained worldwide attention during last summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge, creating unprecedented awareness and funding for the “orphan disease.” The donations received by the Greater Chicago Chapter from the Ice Bucket Challenge has allowed the chapter to establish a Respite Care Grant Program for patients living with ALS, whose cost of care can reach $200,000 annually.

We are grateful for the many individuals and companies in DuPage County and the greater Wheaton area for your support of our mission. Tina Nassos, a Wheaton resident and Chicago Walk to Defeat ALS committee member, is a year-round ALS Ambassador for the chapter, educating others about ALS and enlisting them to volunteer, donate services and generate awareness.

Tim Brylka, head baseball coach for Wheaton Warrenville South High School, worked with me to create the Step Up to the Plate program, which engages baseball teams to generate awareness and funds while honoring individuals, including Brylka's former WWS teammate, Brian Schnurstein, who is currently battling ALS. The DuPage Valley Conference will host its fifth annual event May 17 at Lee Pfund Stadium at Legion Field in Carol Stream.

The 10th annual Walk to Defeat ALS will be held May 30 at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. The Chicago walk was moved to this location five years ago because of a correlation between military service and ALS. Veterans are two to four times more likely to be diagnosed with ALS compared to the civilian population. Last year, walkers helped raise $585,000 and this year’s goal is $650,000.

We cannot give up until there is a cure, and we appreciate every effort our supporters can offer. Please join the fight. Visit www.alschicago.org for more information.

Julie Sharpe is the executive director of the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter.