Supported by fitness industry leaders, nonprofit raises nearly $1.9 million for urgent ALS research
San Diego, March 15, 2019 – This evening, Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS held its 14th annual BASH, a celebration of research advancements for ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Coinciding with the annual International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association’s (IHRSA) International Tradeshow and Convention, the BASH represents an opportunity for the fitness industry to celebrate advancements in ALS research and reinforce the critical importance their generous giving offers to those affected by this disease. Because the health of our bodies is such a personal matter for the industry, thousands of fitness clubs across the country have contributed to the fight against ALS alongside Augie’s Quest to date.
Hosted by International Zumba® Education Specialist, Loretta Bates, and featuring entertainment from world-renowned vocalist Sheléa and America’s Got Talent comedian Preacher Lawson, the evening raised close to $1.9 million for the organization’s efforts to fast-track effective treatments and an ultimate cure for ALS.
Augie Nieto, the founder of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS and a fitness industry business icon who himself was diagnosed with ALS 14 years ago, noted “Our partners and donors from across the fitness industry are one in a million. Their competitive spirit, significant financial support and fierce commitment as a collective industry to actively champion the health of so many people affected by ALS is driving real change and research results.”
Prior to the event, Fernando Vieira, M.D., the Chief Scientific Officer at the ALS Therapy Development Institute, spent time with area Southern California families recently diagnosed with ALS. Vieira provided insights on the role the fitness industry has played in the way scientists are tackling ALS today, particularly through ALS TDI’s innovative Precision Medicine Program that tracks ALS progression on a patient-by-patient basis.
The event was generously supported by companies including IHRSA, ClubCorp, Jenny Craig, Newtown Athletic Club, The Atlantic Club, Zumba Fitness, Stone Creek Club & Spa, Club Automation, Workout Anytime, Fitness Formula Clubs, Club Greenwood, Hemelgarn Racing, Myzone, North Castle Partners, Orangetheory Fitness and Planet Fitness.
Concluded Nieto, “This truly was my favorite BASH for Augie’s Quest yet. 14 years later, it is still so inspiring to see that the fitness industry is as dedicated as ever. With this community at our side, ALS doesn’t stand a fighting chance. ALS isn’t incurable, it’s only underfunded. This is a problem we can – and will – solve.”
You can see photos from the 14th BASH HERE.
About Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS
Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS is a nonprofit committed to changing the experience of people living with ALS by fast-tracking cutting-edge research to advance effective treatments and an ultimate cure. The organization is galvanizing thousands to join this fight, confronting ALS in an entirely new way, and driving innovative research forward, and at an accelerated pace. We are working to bring an exciting treatment, AT-1501, and many others, to market as fast as we can via our research partners at the ALS Therapy Development Institute. Augie’s Quest was founded more than a decade ago by Augie Nieto, the successful fitness industry mogul behind Lifecycle and Life Fitness who was diagnosed with ALS in 2005 and whose life story was recently chronicled in the award-winning film, Augie. With Augie’s Quest, ALS doesn’t stand a fighting chance. Because ALS isn’t incurable, it’s only underfunded.
Please join our quest at https://augiesquest.org/.
