Charity bike ride raises awareness for ALS
On May 3, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis [ALS] Network hosted a fundraiser to raise awareness for the disease and money for treatments. The ALS Network, a non-profit based in Woodland Hills, has raised over 900,000 dollars throughout their nine years of fundraising. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], about 5,600 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year. This disease affects one’s nervous system and spinal cord, and results in an inability to control one’s muscles. Currently, there is no cure, but the ALS Network’s events and programs work as a step towards finding a treatment.
Nikki Kentor, Associate Director of Community Outreach of Southern California, works closely with the community to build awareness. “ALS is a diagnosis not just for the person living with the disease, but for their entire family and circle of support,” Kentor said. Kentor’s connection with the ALS Network began when her father was diagnosed in 2020. “The ALS Network was there for us to guide us through the steep learning curve that accompanies this diagnosis, with care and support throughout his entire journey,” Kentor said.
Captain of the Friends of Geoff riding team, Dominic Nuzzi, has been involved in the program for three years. Nuzzi rode in honor of his friend, Geoff, who was diagnosed with ALS in early 2023. “The ALS Network does such an incredible job organizing this event and it’s a great opportunity to meet others fighting to find a cure for ALS. More people should participate in this event because funds are desperately needed for research for a cure and to support those suffering from ALS who may not have the resources needed to battle this disease,” Nuzzi said.
The event’s social media and public relations manager at the ALS Network, Vanessa Martin, is in charge of running the non-profit’s Instagram while also promoting the brand on their website. “This event is so special because it really is a community gathering. It’s a labor of love to be able to show up and give back to the people who need it the most,” Martin said.
This is the ninth Annual SoCal Ride for Kentor, who has been an active participant in this fundraiser for the past three years. “[This event] will always have a special place in my heart as my father was able to attend in 2023, just a few months before he died. It was the only ALS Network event he ever made it to and I will always be grateful to our event co-founder and fundraising committee chair, Dawn Foley, for creating something that has become so meaningful to my family,” Kentor said.
In addition to attending the annual bike ride and other fundraisers through the ALS Network, information can be found on the group’s website. “You can visit events.alsnetwork.org to see our entire calendar of events and reach out to our team to learn more about donating, volunteering and getting involved,” Kentor said.
