On Sunday, November 9th, the Philadelphia ALS community gathered at Citizens Bank Park for a memorable and inspiring day. The Philadelphia ALS United Walk Presented by Hatfield brought together families, friends, caregivers, and supporters, all walking with one united goal: to raise critical funds and fuel hope for a future without ALS.
Participants arrived early to check in, collect their event T-shirts and pins, and soak in the excitement of the morning. The “Show Your Unity” tent quickly became a hub of activity as attendees selected Unity Signs representing their connection to the ALS community. Each individual then added their message or signature to the Unity Banner, an emotional display that would later be showcased at the closing of the Walk.
As 9:30 am rolled around, a special appearance by the Philly Phanatic was made! He met participants, posed for photos, and danced his way onto the stage to kick off the Opening Ceremony.
Our emcee, Bill Henley from NBC10 Philadelphia, started the Opening Ceremony by thanking participants, donors, volunteers, and staff for their time and support. Together, the crowd paused for a moment of reflection, honoring those we have lost to ALS, celebrating those who continue to fight, and recognizing the caregivers whose love and dedication remain a constant source of strength. He then announced the top 3 fundraising teams and individuals, which were as follows:
Top Fundraising Teams:
- Crushin it for Holly
- Kelly’s Heroes
- Fightin ALS for Karen
Top Fundraising Individuals:
- Nina Kelly
- Mark Tomkovicz
- Stephanie Kemezis
Teams walked through the United to End ALS arch and around the ballpark, making their way onto the field. The ALS United Walk served as a reminder that no one walks through ALS alone, and United we can End ALS.
Over $375,000 Raised for Local ALS Care, Support, and Research
By the closing ceremony, the Philadelphia ALS United Walk Presented by Hatfield raised over $375,000. This incredible total reflects the dedication and generosity of every individual, team, and donor who walked, gave, and shared our mission. The funds raised during the ALS United Walk support local care programs, resource groups, ALS research, and more.
“The Philadelphia ALS community has gathered at Citizens Bank Park every fall since 2008,” said ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s Director of Community Engagement, Kerry Braun. “Thanks to the dedication of the Philadelphia community, this Walk has raised over $8.2 million in the last 16 years. The ALS United Walk supports ALS Treatment Centers, provide vital homecare visits, medical equipment loans, van transportation, and resource groups for people with ALS and their families throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania.”
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
The ALS United Walk would not have been possible without generous support from our sponsors. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
Hatfield Quality Meats
Reiser
Swartley Bros. Engineers, Inc.
Our sponsors continue to expand our reach, and their generous partnership ensures that people living with ALS and their families receive essential care, resources, and hope.
What Comes Next
Funds raised support vital patient services, advocacy, caregiver support, and research efforts through ALS United Mid‑Atlantic. Because of your generosity, we move one step closer to better treatments and a world without ALS.
To everyone who walked, donated, volunteered, cheered, or lifted someone’s spirits—thank you. Our Philadelphia ALS community showed what it means to come together, united to end ALS. If you haven’t done so yet, it’s not too late to share your “why I walk” story or make a gift in honor of someone special.
Supporters can donate to the Philadelphia ALS United Walk Presented by Hatfield through the end of the year. To donate, visit www.philadelphiaalsunitedwalk.org.
You can view all the photos from the Philadelphia ALS United Walk Presented by Hatfield here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/167006898@N08/albums/72177720330230971
About ALS United Mid-Atlantic:
Since 1977, ALS United Mid-Atlantic has worked to improve the quality of life for families impacted by ALS by investing in quality care programs, empowering patients through advocacy, and promoting groundbreaking research towards new treatments and a cure.
ALS United Mid-Atlantic serves more than 1,200 people each year and covers a service area that encompasses eastern and central Pennsylvania, southern and central New Jersey, and all of Delaware.
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