Walking Together:
Why ExploreCarePricing Supports the Fight Against ALS
At ExploreCarePricing, giving back is part of who we are. As our company continues to grow and serve communities across the country, we wanted to support a cause with real national impact—one that supports individuals, families, and caregivers across the communities we hope to serve.
We chose to support the ALS Association. But before making that decision, we realized something important: like many people, we knew very little about ALS. We recognized the name—often connected to Lou Gehrig or the Ice Bucket Challenge—but we didn't fully understand the history of the disease or the challenges faced by those living with it.
A Disease With a Deep History
As we began learning more about ALS, we discovered a story that stretches back more than 150 years. The disease was first identified in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, which is why it is sometimes called Charcot's disease.
In the United States, ALS gained national recognition in 1939 when baseball legend Lou Gehrig was diagnosed at age 36. His famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium brought attention to a condition many Americans had never heard of. That moment changed public awareness—and it remains a defining moment in ALS history.
What ALS Truly Is
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement. Over time, individuals gradually lose the ability to walk, speak, eat, and eventually breathe—while often remaining fully aware throughout the progression.
Key facts about ALS:
Most commonly diagnosed between ages 55 and 75, though it can appear at almost any age
Thousands of Americans are living with ALS at any given moment
Researchers continue working toward better treatments and ultimately a cure
Organizations like the ALS Association provide critical support, advocacy, and resources for patients and families
Why We Walked
The Walk to Defeat ALS brings together individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and local businesses to raise awareness and support the mission of finding effective treatments—and ultimately, a cure.
Every participant has a story. Every step taken is a reminder that no one should face ALS alone.
Participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS in Rapid City gave our team a different perspective. What began as a search for a meaningful organization to support became an opportunity to learn about a disease that affects thousands of individuals and families every year.
The experience reminded us of something fundamental: behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a community navigating challenges most people never see.
What We're Committed To
As ExploreCarePricing continues to grow, we want our giving efforts to reflect the communities we are fortunate to serve. Supporting the ALS Association is one way we can contribute to:
Greater awareness and understanding of ALS across our communities
Support for families affected by ALS as they navigate diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving
Advancement of research toward better treatments and ultimately a cure
We are thankful for everyone who participated in the Walk to Defeat ALS—from the organizers and volunteers to the individuals and families who shared their stories. Our team walked away with a greater understanding of ALS and a deeper appreciation for the people working every day to make a difference.
Behind every step
is a story.
Together, we can create
a world without ALS.
About the ALS Association
The ALS Association is the largest nonprofit organization fighting ALS. The Association's mission is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to support people living with ALS and their families.
Learn more at www.als.orgNo one
should face ALS
alone. Together,
we can make
every step
count.
