Why We Walk

We walk because she can no longer walk.
We raise our voices for advocacy because she is no longer here to raise hers.
Her fight has now become our fight.

ALS stole so much from Naishia. It took away her dreams of becoming a schoolteacher in an urban community, of traveling to a Spanish-speaking country to teach English to young children, and of building a bright and meaningful future.

It robbed her of the chance to grow into adulthood, to contribute to society in the positive way she always envisioned. It took from her the future of becoming a wife and mother. It stole the moments she should have had watching her nieces and nephews grow, celebrating milestones with family, sharing memories with friends.

So now, we show up because she no longer can.

Though Naishia's time on earth was far too short, she touched more lives than many do in 50 or 60 years. Her light, her kindness, and her spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. Her legacy will forever live on in the lives of her family, friends, and community.

As long as we have breath in our bodies, we will continue to fight?to bring awareness, to honor her story, and to push for progress against this devastating disease.

Naishia?s journey opened our eyes. ALS does not discriminate. It knows no gender, no race, no background. Too many still don?t know what ALS is, or how it robs people of their independence, dignity, and dreams. Through her experience, we learned just how devastating and relentless this disease can be.

We walk for Naishia.
We walk for those still fighting.
We walk so that one day, no family has to endure what ours has.