Every year, I participate in the Walk to Defeat ALS. This isn't just a charity event for me—it’s deeply personal.

We walk to honor the beautiful memories of my mother, Lorraine D’Antonio; my aunt, Dolores Salvato; my cousin, Lisa Hudson; and my friend, Karen VanGiesen. Currently, 5 family members carry the gene mutation of C9orf72, while the rest have a 50 % chance of getting that gene mutation, which causes ALS. Fighting for a cure is everything to us.

ALS is a brutal, progressive disease that takes away a person's ability to walk, talk, and breathe. There is currently no cure, and life expectancy is only 2 to 6 years. I am walking to change those statistics.

Recent research has brought incredible advancements, but we can't stop now. Please consider walking with me or sponsoring my walk with a donation. Together, we can ensure no family has to face ALS alone.'