It’s that time of year again! We are teaming up with Augie’s Quest & Dannon Light and Fit to help raise money to find a cure for ALS (Lou Gherig’s Disease) once more. Donate and join us for our special Zumba® event on Saturday, February 28th, to support the fight against ALS.
The past two years we have had amazing turnouts as LA Fitness members all over have danced for an amazing cause. Be a part of this special Zumba® event that benefits your health and the health of others.
You can sign up here by clicking here: www.lafitness.com/ALS
Would you like to know more about this event and the progress the folks at Augie’s Quest have been making? We asked the founder of Augie’s Quest, Augie Nieto, a few questions about ALS and how all of your contributions are making a difference.
Why is it important for everyone to participate in this event?
Augie: The fitness industry has been instrumental to MDA’s Augie’s Quest…we’ve raised over $35 million to date because of clubs and members around the country. YOU have the opportunity to be a part of history and help families fighting ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Plus, I can’t think of a more entertaining way to get a workout!
Can you tell us how many people are diagnosed and living with ALS?
Augie: Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS in the US. There are approximately 30,000 people living with ALS in the US and about 500,000 worldwide. The incidence rate of ALS is actually the same as MS, but because the prognosis (life expectancy) for ALS is 2-5 years, the number living with the disease remains low.
What words of advice can you give to those who are fighting ALS and their families?
Augie: I encourage anyone fighting this battle to reach out to MDA and ALS TDI. The resources and information offered by these two organizations will help you immensely. Be proactive in your care and never give up hope.
How will the donations received from the LA Fitness Zumba event help Augie’s Quest, ALS and MDA?
Augie: Donations received will go directly to fast-track research for ALS. Our goal is to find an effective treatment for this disease as soon as possible.
Fun Question: What would you like to tell those who are hiding behind their poor dance skills as an excuse to skip the Zumba event?
Augie: If I can do it, you can do it! Zumba isn’t about perfect choreography…it’s about having fun. I promise you won’t regret it…no one has ever left a Zumba class and said “that wasn’t fun!”
Thank you to our sponsors at Dannon Light and Fit and to all those who have contributed to this amazing cause.
Kudos to LA Fitness for taking a stand against ALS!