Sylvan Abbey Hosts Benefit Walk-A-ThonFundraiser for Lou Gehrig's DiseaseCLEARWATER - Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home is hosting The Celebration of Life Walk-A-Thon to celebrate the life of Jerry Talatinian, a local resident who passed away in May from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. This Walk-A-Thon is dedicated to raising money for the ALS Association Florida Chapter's research and patient centered programs for those battling this life-threatening disease. Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007 will be a day to remember Jerry while honoring all those currently living with the disease. The 2.5-mile Walk-A-Thon will be held in Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater. Individual participants are asked to contribute at least $25, and companies with several employees interested in walking to represent their company, are asked to donate at least $150 for their group. Children 12 and under are invited to participate for free. "We are so proud to be hosting this event," said Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park's Director of Family Services, Sandra Ihrig. "Our staff considers it an honor and privilege to be a part of the fight against Lou Gehrig's Disease." Sylvan Abbey invites community residents and business members to help raise money for such a worthy cause. For those who cannot attend, a Trust Fund has been established at all AmSouth-Region's Banks, which will accept deposits to the Jerry Talatinian, The Celebration of Life for The ALS Association Florida Chapter account. ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The disease, more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a motor neuron disease that usually attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy. The life expectancy of someone with ALS averages about two to five years from the time of diagnosis. Most commonly, the disease strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and as many as 30,000 Americans have ALS at any given time. ALS can strike anyone, anytime. For more information about Lou Gehrig's Disease, visit www.alsafl.org or contact The ALS Association Florida Chapter at 888-257-1717. For more information about The Celebration of Life Walk-A-Thon, contact Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park at 727-796-1992.
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