Maura Graham, who joined the Leonard Florence Center for Living (LFCFL) in January, is preparing to direct the organization’s 10th annual ALS Walk for Living on Admiral’s Hill scheduled for Sept. 30. Graham expressed enthusiasm about the event, noting that preparations are in their final stages and everything is progressing well. The walk is expected to draw participants of various ages, with numerous high school students from Chelsea, Everett and Malden Catholic anticipated to attend.
“This is my first year as walk director, but I’ve had the good fortune of having the previous walk director sty on to consult and help me,” Graham stated. “Now we have 10 years of walks and so we have some history under our belts and it comes together really well. It’s huge for us. It’s our only fundraise at Leonard Florence and 100 percent of the proceeds go towards resident care.”
At the LFCFL, the Walk for Living raises funds to support ALS and MS patients through unique activities and experiences. As the facility’s sole fundraiser, it enables residents living exclusively with ALS and MS to participate in special events. Last year’s walk proceeds, for instance, enabled several ALS residents to visit Disney World in Florida.
Graham emphasized that the walk offers a family-friendly atmosphere with numerous activities designed for families and young adults beyond the walk itself.
Kiss 108’s Matt Siegel will serve as emcee for the fourth consecutive year.
This year, Phyllis and Alan Bolotin of Swampscott have been selected as Walk for Living Ambassadors.
“They have been very good to the Leonard Florence over the years and they have graciously accepted the roles of Walk Ambassadors,” Graham noted. “They’ve been wonderful and have a huge team coming.”
Hundreds of students are also expected to participate.
A distinctive feature of the Walk for Living involves high school students from Chelsea High, Everett High and Malden Catholic who attend to learn about ALS. Many of these students develop friendships with residents and gain insight into living with ALS or MS.
“Everett, Chelsea and Malden Catholic will all be participating and will have a big group,” Graham explained. “Malden Catholic will be bringing a large group because they are honoring Brother Joe (Comber), who lives here at the Leonard Florence. The fact that so many young people participate is wonderful and shows a great sense of unity with the residents here and the community. It is multi-generational.”
The walk also features direct participation from many residents who benefit from the fundraising efforts. Several residents organize and lead their own teams in the event.
“It is a rare thing to be able to walk side-by-side with the people you’re helping,” she added. “It’s a sense of camaraderie.”
Before joining the LFCFL in January, Graham worked in public relations and marketing roles with the Cambridge Office of Tourism and the Harvard Square Business Association.
“The minute I walked in to the Leonard Florence, I felt it was a great fit,” she said.
Graham resides in Melrose with her two young children.
Registration for the Walk for Living is available through WalkForLiving.org, with on-site registration also accepted on event day. The registration fee is $20, with children 12 and under admitted free and students charged $10.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. on Sept. 30 at 165 Captain’s Row.