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April 8, 2005

Woodbridge ALS Walk Seeks Donors, Team Captains for May 1 Event

The 4th annual Woodbridge Walk to D’Feet ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) takes place Sunday, May 1 at 11:15 a.m. in Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park at Sewaren Peninsula. Registration starts at 10 a.m.

The Woodbridge Walk is the leadoff event in the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter’s annual campaign to combat the presently incurable neuro-muscular disease that kills nearly 6,000 Americans a year.

Former New York Yankee first baseman Steve Balboni will attend the Woodbridge Walk. The Union County resident once renowned as a fearsome longball hitter says participating in the ALS Walk is a great honor and challenge.

“Once you become a New York Yankee, you realize you’re part of a great tradition,” says Balboni. “It was a special privilege to play the same position as the greatest first baseman ever, Lou Gehrig. I am humbled to honor Lou Gehrig and help in fighting the terrible disease that claimed his life and that of too many others. My appreciation goes to Woodbridge Township and the ALS Association for their tremendous work in this great cause. ”  

The Woodbridge Walk to D’Feet ALS is currently seeking Team Captains to organize teams of walkers, collect donations and spread posters and other publicity materials in their community and workplace. Organizers hope to draw walkers from across Central New Jersey.

To participate as Team Captain or walker, email Abby Anderson at walkersofhope@aol.com or call Donna Jago at the Mayor’s Office, 732-602-6039.

“Woodbridge is pleased to host this leadoff event in what is literally a life-and-death fundraising effort,” says Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. “Every step we take brings us closer to finding a cure for ALS, and we would love to see everyone in Central New Jersey turn out.”

The Woodbridge Walk honors former Woodbridge resident Ira Anderson, who succumbed to ALS last May. Following his initial diagnosis, Anderson used his remaining months of public activity to aid the everyday lives of his neighbors by serving as Woodbridge Township Resident Advocate for Consumer Affairs. He also chronicled his battle against the disease in a remarkable series of poems that expressed his love of family and indomitable spirit of hope.

“Ira Anderson was a dedicated individual who exemplified the true definition of public service,” says Mayor Pelzman. “He lived his life helping people in so many ways, and with the Woodbridge Walk to D’Feet ALS, his legacy continues to inspire.”