Want to help the ALS Association without pouring a bucket of ice over your head?

Consider joining the Walk to Defeat ALS. The ALS Association describes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as “a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.” This degeneration causes victims to slowly lose control of their own muscle movement, sometimes causing complete paralysis.

A walk will take place at Jordan Valley Park in Springfield on Saturday, Sept. 27. Like the Ice Bucket Challenge, this walk is meant to bring awareness and support to combat the disease. It is free to register for the walk, but you may also choose to support a walker or a team by making a financial donation.

Walkers of all ages are welcome, and the only water necessary is for participants to drink.

What: Walk to Defeat ALS

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration begins at 9 a.m.)

Where: Jordan Valley Park

For more information or to make a contribution, please visit the ALS Association site.

If you missed the Ice Bucket Challenge, it became the newest sensation at the end of July after last winter’s “Super Sam Cold Water Challenge.” The challenge of dumping ice water over one’s head is meant to bring awareness and donations to the ALS Association in search for the cure of the disease and medical assistance for patients.