Join the Les Turner ALS Foundation's Walk for Life

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Sunday, September 18, 2016, more than 7,000 people from around Chicago are joining together at Soldier Field for the Les Turner ALS Foundation's ALS Walk for Life . The event is one of the largest gatherings for the ALS community in the U.S. Friends and families walk in teams to honor the lives and legacies of those affected by ALS. Since it began 14 years ago, the ALS Walk for Life has raised more than $11 million for research, patient services, and educational activities.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disease that attacks a person's muscles, gradually robbing them of their ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe. Someone is diagnosed with ALS every 90 minutes in the U.S., but right now there is no prevention or cure.

The Les Turner ALS Foundation began in 1977 and is Chicago's leader in research, patient care and education. ABC 7 Meteorologist Phil Schwarz will emcee the ALS Walk for Life. He joined the Executive Director of the Les Turner ALS Foundation, Andrea Pauls Backman, live from Soldier Field to talk about the need for research.

Name of event: Les Turner ALS Walk for Life

Date: Sunday, September 18, 2016

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Address: Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., Chicago

Admission: Registration is free and the event is open to the public.

To get involved, call 847-679-3311 or visit www.lesturnerals.org and www.alswalkforlife.org.