Walk ALS 2025 is a crucial part of raising money for a cure
Imagine a disease that gradually steals your ability to move, speak, or breathe, while your mind remains sharp. That’s the reality of ALS, a condition impacting so many in our community and around the world. In Cincinnati, Walk ALS, organized by ALS United Ohio, brings our community together to fight back. Learn how to join in the fight at the 2025 walk in Cincinnati or donate to make a difference. Ready to step up, Cincy? Let’s dive in!
Walk ALS 2025 Meets A Formidable Challenge Head-On
ALS United Ohio, founded in 1983, is a nonprofit serving Cincinnati and beyond, with a mission to provide exceptional care, fund innovative research, and advocate for better lives for those with ALS, all aiming for a world without this disease. In Cincinnati, they offer free services like support groups at local community centers, equipment loans (wheelchairs, speech devices), and home visits from care coordinators, helping patients stay independent. Last year, they supported 587 Ohioans, many in the Greater Cincinnati area, with these vital services.
They also fuel research, partnering with Cincinnati’s own University of Cincinnati Medical Center and nearby Ohio State University, where clinical trials test new therapies. ALS United Ohio advocates for change, helping secure $40 million in federal research funding in 2025 through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). Every dollar raised at Cincinnati’s Walk ALS powers this mission, making a tangible difference for our neighbors.
The History of Walk ALS: Cincinnati’s Steps Forward
Walk ALS started in 2000 as a community-driven effort to combat ALS, growing into a flagship fundraiser for ALS United Ohio. In Cincinnati, it’s a beloved tradition, with the 2025 event set for September 28 at Winton Woods Park (Harper Meadows Area). The walkathon brings together Queen City residents … families, coworkers, even Cincinnati sports fans … for a 1- to 2-mile stroll to raise funds. Since its inception, Walk ALS events across Ohio and beyond have raised millions, supporting care and research.
Cincinnati’s walk is a vibrant scene: picture teams in matching shirts, music echoing across Winton Woods, and food trucks serving local favorites. Some walk for loved ones, like a Cincinnatian honoring their parent, saying, “This is for Mom’s strength.” Others, including those using wheelchairs, join to show unity. Funds have driven progress, like the 2022 approval of Relyvrio, a drug slowing ALS progression, partly backed by walk donations. Cincinnati’s Walk ALS is a testament to our city’s heart, proving we can rally for a cause.
Why the Walk Matters in Cincinnati
Walk ALS is crucial for Cincinnati in three ways: supporting local care, advancing research, and strengthening our community. First, funds directly help Cincinnatians with ALS. In 2024, ALS United Ohio’s services reached 587 Ohioans, including many in our city, providing wheelchairs, speech tablets, and caregiver support. These services, which can cost over $200,000 yearly in later stages, keep patients connected—imagine a grandparent texting from a Bengals game. Your donations make this possible.
Second, Walk ALS fuels research. At the University of Cincinnati and Ohio State, scientists are testing therapies to slow ALS or enhance quality of life, part of a global push funded by walk dollars. Discoveries, like identifying ALS-related genes, guide new treatments, and Cincinnati’s contributions are key. Every step Team DeVol takes helps scientists move closer to a cure.
Finally, Walk ALS unites Cincinnati. For local patients and families, seeing hundreds at Winton Woods Park—like Team DeVol aiming to top their usual $6,000—offers hope. It’s a reminder they’re not alone, whether they’re in Clifton or Hyde Park. The walk also raises awareness, influencing policies like the 2019 ALS Disability Access Act, improving benefits for patients. Walking for someone like Lou Gehrig or a neighbor makes you part of Cincinnati’s fight.
How to Join Cincinnati’s Walk ALS 2025
Ready to join Team DeVol and make a difference in Cincinnati? Here’s how to get involved in Walk ALS 2025 on September 28 at Winton Woods Park:
- Join Team DeVol: Sign up to walk with us via our team page for Team DeVol. You’ll be part of a Cincy crew raising funds and spirits.
- Form a Team: Rally friends, family, or coworkers from your Over-the-Rhine office to create a team. Pick a name like “Cincy Steppers” and set a fundraising goal.
- Raise Funds: Set up a fundraising page on the ALS United Ohio site. Reach out via email, social media, or at Findlay Market, sharing why you’re walking. Even $20 adds up!
- Donate Directly: Can’t walk? Give any amount at ALS Ohio’s website. Every dollar supports Cincinnatians and research.
- Prepare for the Day: Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and enjoy a 1- to 2-mile walk with music, food trucks, and Cincy vibes.
- Share online with #WalkALS and #TeamDeVol: Post: “I’m walking with Team DeVol on Sept 28 to fight ALS in Cincinnati—join me! #WalkALS” to spread the word.
Cincinnati … Answering ALS Patient Call for Help
Cincinnati’s Walk ALS is a lifeline for our neighbors with ALS, a spark for research, and a celebration of our city’s spirit.
Please don’t stand on the sidelines thinking this terrible disease only affects other people. Gather your friends … young and old … Join Us to Find a Cure!