ALS San Diego Walk 2025

My journey from two to four wheels

Please consider joining our ALS San Diego's Walk team or donating to support Chris Palmer’s page.  If you elect to walk with the group, the distance is a maximum of 3 miles.  Anyone can walk any distance less than the 3 miles.

My mission is to raise funds and awareness for those living with ALS and to continue to fund ALS research.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and 100% fatal neuromuscular disorder.  It slowly robs the body of its ability to sing and dance, let alone walk, speak, swallow, and breathe.  The average life expectancy after diagnosis is just 2 to 5 years.  ALS can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or ethnicity. While it is typically an adult-onset, there is currently no known cause or cure. The cost of care can reach up to $250,000 per year, creating a heavy burden on individuals and families.

I have beaten the odds — I have been living with ALS for over 5 years.  In January 2020 my ALS journey began when I noticed a loss of strength in my legs while riding my bicycle.  I attributed this to the aging process and paid no further attention to it.  Shortly thereafter, I lost the ability to get off the couch unassisted and soon to follow, developed shaking in my hands while riding.  And so, my journey with ALS has ended something deeply personal: the ability to ride a bicycle, a passion that brought me joy, freedom, and good health into my 70’s.  In fact, no longer is any exercise possible.

Reaching a Diagnosis

There is no definitive diagnostic tool for ALS except an autopsy.  In my case, I was initially diagnosed with Parkinsons which took 9 months after onset of first symptoms.  Nine months later I was diagnosed with PLS (a variant of ALS) and finally after 2.5 years of monitoring my declining capabilities, a diagnosis of ALS.  As you can imagine, this was a frustrating and emotionally draining roller-coaster experience. This is one of many reasons why your donations as so important.

Why This Walk Matters

Taking part in the ALS San Diego Walk is a powerful way to support the local ALS community.  ALS San Diego has been a tremendous resource in my own journey. Your support helps provide essential services, equipment, and local funding — and brings us closer to a world without this disease.

How You Can Help

• Join the ChrisP Critters team and walk with us
• Donate to support Chris Palmer and our cause
• Share this page with friends and family who may want to help

The first step is to register for the ALS San Diego Walk and then start fundraising through the Participant Center. The Participant Center is an easy way to share why you are joining the fight against ALS and send emails asking for support from your friends and family.

Together, we can make a difference, and as I always say - " Just Keep Smiling!" 

Thank you for your support!

Chris Palmer

chrispalmer222@gmail.com

760 840-7677