The "Inaugural Caffiero-Manns ALS Walk" will be held rain or shine. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. inside the entrance to Island Park. The walk will commence at 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by a post-walk tent party, which will include food and drink.

The first annual walk is being held in honor of Alfred T. Caffiero and Nancy Manns, two individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a disease of the muscle-controlling nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. ALS initially affects the legs, arms, throat and mouth muscles, eventually resulting in paralysis.

Individuals who would like to participate in the event can contact the MDA at (716) 626-0035 or by e-mail at buffalo@mdausa.org.

The MDA spends more dollars than any other non-governmental agency on direct health careservices, medical equipment and support groups for those with ALS. MDA'sALS services include loaned medical equipment and financial help with purchasing wheelchairs, leg braces and communication devices. MDA also provides educational materials, support groups and an up-to-the-minute Web site, www.als-mda.org. MDA is a voluntary health organization working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.