TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity helped raise more than $42,000 to help people with Lou Gehrig’s disease and their families through the Walk to D’Feet ALS, a benefit for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association.

More than 300 people took part in the Tuscaloosa Walk to D’Feet ALS held on the UA campus in April.

“Phi Delta Theta has been so helpful in the walk planning process, the sponsorship recruitment and volunteering on walk day. Also, the Greek system was very helpful, serving as donors and walkers. We had a great turnout for the inaugural walk in Tuscaloosa and hope to be back next year and the following years to come,” said Deb Kohlhase, ALSA executive director.

ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal neuromuscular disease. In most cases, a person’s mind remains sharp and alert while voluntary muscle control is lost and often total paralysis follows as the disease progresses. There is no known cause, cure or means of prevention for ALS. The ALS Association is the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to helping patients of Lou Gehrig’s disease and their families.

The Walk to D’Feet ALS is the signature fund-raiser of the ALS Association. The event is held throughout the country, including walks in Birmingham and Huntsville. This was the first walk ever held in the City of Tuscaloosa. Fraternity members cooked more than 300 hot dogs, set up tables and chairs, walked and helped walkers register before the event. Walkers consisted primarily of families of ALS patients, but also included members of the community and UA sororities, fraternities and athletic teams.

Donations are still being counted toward the walk fund. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, contact UA student and fraternity member Nick Blanchard at 251/786-5888, ntblanchard@bama.ua.edu.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.