Hundreds Gather to Raise Money and Awareness for ALS [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD - Over 600 people gathered at Lake George this morning for the Walk to Defeat ALS, raising awareness and money for research to find a cure.

Thousands of dollars were raised at the walk this morning. Funds will go towards care services and support research for ALS.

"The atmosphere is incredible, to see so many people in the area coming together for the cause" Jennifer Hjelle, the executive director for the ALS Association said.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)  is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The degeneration of the motor neurons cause the brain to lose control of muscle movement. Patients in later stages of ALS may become completely paralyzed as a result.

ALS may also be known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, when it was first brought to national attention by Gehrig in the 1930's

There is no cure for ALS. Events like this hope to raise money towards finding a cure.

For more information on ALS, and to support the cause, You can visit the Walk to Defeat ALS website.