On Saturday, September 28th, students of Saucon Valley gathered to volunteer at Cedar Crest college for ALS United. The foundation raises money every year doing walks around the Mid-Atlantic region, including multiple companies that will show up and support the movements. Students found out about this through their English teacher Genia Miller. She began inviting students to join her at the walk since 2002, and has been inviting them annually ever since.
“I didn’t know about the walk until I taught Tuesdays with Morrie,” said English teacher Genia Miller. Miller told us that she doesn’t have a personal connection to ALS but she had a friend whose husband had ALS and heard about the walk through them. ALS is a nervous system disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It causes loss of muscle control and it gets worse over time. There is no known reason for the disease and there is still no cure. This year has been a special year for Miller as she expressed to us she hasn’t had this many students since it started.
“The amount this year almost tripled since last year and I think it’s amazing… Absolutely more than I’ve ever had…” Miller added when talking about the number of students that signed up for the event, which was a total of 35. It was a rainy Saturday morning, and the showing was still quite impressive. All of the students helped with the event; some students sold 50/50 tickets, face painted, or set up signs for the walk. The event really rallied together not only families and teams representing their loved ones with ALS, but supporters for a cure as well. Many companies such as The Batch and Samuel Adams were there giving out free merchandise and ice cream to the supporters of the walk. It really pulled the community together. Miller mentioned that she got many compliments from event staff saying that, “These kids are so much help.” The kids cheered on the teams walking in the parade and showed support the whole time.
Another point that Miller made very prevalent to us was that she wants Saucon kids to keep going and supporting this walk even after she retires. “I hope the kids keep going to the walk even after I retire because it’s really for a good cause.” The main message we got from talking to Miller was that she’s very appreciative of the kids showing up and helping, and that she hopes the walk keeps going in the future of Saucon.
“It’s great that all of these people wanted to come out on an early Saturday morning in the rain to support people in less fortunate situations,” said senior Cole Hubert. There were around 25 people who attended the event out of the 35 that signed up, which Miller said was a good percentage.
Overall, the Lehigh Valley ALS United Walk raised $59,818 to support and comfort those who suffer from ALS. The organization offers extraordinary patient care, which enhances the quality of life for not only those with ALS, but also the families and friends who are supporting them. Every dollar that was raised goes to more care, research and possibilities to find a cure.
