Walkers gather to fight ALS
ASHTABULA — Lisa Hughart was a regular at sporting events for the last 30 years, supporting her children, then grandchildren.
Dozens of people came to honor her and raise money to fight the deadly disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive neurological disease often referred to as ALS.
Tim Hughart organized the event at Lake Shore Park Saturday morning to raise funds to fight the deadly disease. He said all proceeds would be given to the ALS Society, which is dedicated to finding a cure.
ALS is also often described as Lou Gehrig's disease in reference to the famous New York Yankee who was diagnosed with it in 1939 and died less than two years later.
The ALS Society website details ways in which the organization supports those with the disease and works to fund research to find a cure.
Tim Hughart said his wife was diagnosed in summer 2024 and died in November.
'She lasted only four months,' he said.
He sold shirts to raise money, as well as having a 50-50 raffle and a bake sale.
Walkers donated to the cause after they walked a loop of Lake Shore Park.
Lisa Hughart's son, Solomon Thomas, said he was deeply appreciative so many people took time out of their busy schedules to remember his mother and fight the disease.
He said it was hard to take in all the emotions surrounding the event. Many of the participants wore red shirts with Lisa Hughart's picture on the front, proclaiming ALS Awareness.
Several participants came to the march to represent those that have been battling the disease for many years.
The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, making normal tasks very difficult as it progresses.
The ALS Society website seeks to walk newly-diagnosed people through the process.
'Life changes after an ALS diagnosis,' according to the website. 'Being diagnosed with ALS is devastating and overwhelming. Learning to accept your diagnosis and live with the disease can be incredibly difficult.'
Chicago Bears Super Bowl winner Steve McMichael died earlier this week after a years-long struggle with the disease.
Tim Hughart and Thomas said Lisa's brother was also recently diagnosed with the disease.
The ALS Society provides support groups, transportation assistance and equipment.
Hughart said the society provided a wheelchair for his wife as the disease progressed.
The organization also provides suggestions on how to make home adjustment to make living with the disease easier.
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