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Fifth Annual Walk to D'Feet ALS Scheduled For Saturday, October 23, 2004 at William R. Mason Regional Park; Sign Up Today By Visiting: support.alsaoc.org.

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2004 -- The ALS Association -- Orange County Chapter -- is holding its annual Walk to D'feet ALS. The Walk benefits research and patient services for those affected by ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The Walk takes place on Saturday, October 23 at William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine, California. This year's Grand Marshal is Marsh Fisher, co-founder of Century 21, and a representative of Safe Kids International, the presenting sponsor of the Walk.

Last year's Walk raised a total of $211,184. This year, The ALS Association -- Orange County Chapter -- hopes to raise over $250,000. Interested supporters are encouraged to register for the Walk to D'feet ALS online by visiting http://support.alsaoc.org. Call the chapter office at 714-938-1080 for additional information.

The Walk to D'feet ALS is a great family event, with children's activities sponsored by Toys R Us, a barbeque lunch provided by Connell Chevrolet and BJ's Pizza & Brewery, the World's Largest Jersey and more. Geoffrey the Giraffe will also be there to lead off the Walk.

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) is a degenerative neuromuscular disease that is always fatal, with a life expectancy of 2 to 5 years from diagnosis. More than 5,000 people in the US are diagnosed with ALS each year, occurring with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries -- it can strike anyone.

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The mission of the ALS Association -- Orange County Chapter -- is to improve the quality of life for persons with ALS, while substantially contributing to the National ALS Association's research effort to find a cure.

Note to Editors: Interviews with The ALS Association, a Walk to D'feet organizer or a Walk team can be arranged by contacting Executive Director, Carol Burby at 714-938-1080. This event provides excellent photo opportunities.

CONTACT:  Marisa Luiso
          714-356-8956
          alsa@luisoart.com