It was a community effort to put this walk together. Friends of Allie Little volunteered at stations and passed out necklaces, bracelets, ribbon pins and flags to participants. Photo courtesy of Amie Little

BIGGS, CA (MPG) – On the morning of May 3, community members dressed in blue filled the outdoor area of Biggs High School as everyone warmed up to walk a little under a mile together and raise awareness for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

As part of her senior project, Allie Little hosted a walk for ALS in honor of her late aunt, Cami Roles, who lost her battle against ALS on Feb. 9, 2024. The walk was also in support of Little’s cousin, Kari Naum, 38, who was recently diagnosed with ALS.

About 200 participants joined Allie Little and her family in completing the walk along West Rio Bonito Road and First Street. Photo courtesy of Amie Little

According to the ALS Association, approximately 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. A cure currently does not exist for ALS.

“This project means so much to our family because we lost our amazing mom to ALS on last Feb. 9,” said Bailee Roles, Cami Roles’ daughter. “We feel really lucky that we get to come together for this walk as a family and share a meaningful day remembering our mom. Even though she’s not here with us physically, her spirit is with us in everything we do and we’re walking for her and for everyone impacted by ALS.” 

Cami Roles’ children shared that anyone who knew their mother knows how much she showed up for the community and would have been there with everyone. Bailee Roles added that her mother, “without a doubt,” would have brought homemade cookies as she was an amazing baker “who loved making people feel special.”

Friends, family and community members dressed in blue and joined Allie Little at her walk for ALS at Biggs High School on May 3. Photo courtesy of Amie Little

About 200 participants joined Allie Little and her family in completing the walk along West Rio Bonito Road and First Street.

“To everyone who contributed to my senior project fund, bought items off my Amazon wish list, volunteered at stations and supported me every step of the way, thank you,” said Allie Little. “And to my family, your support means everything. None of this would have been possible without all of you. We will continue to raise awareness, holding onto hope that one day, we will find a cure.”

It was a community effort to put this walk together. Friends of Allie Little volunteered at stations and passed out necklaces, bracelets, ribbon pins and flags to participants. Local businesses such as Dutch Bros Coffee, Food Maxx and Rosie’s Sno Biz contributed to the walk by providing drinks and snacks throughout the walking route.

Local businesses such as Dutch Bros Coffee, Food Maxx and Rosie’s Sno Biz contributed to the walk by providing drinks and snacks throughout the walking route. Photo courtesy of Amie Little

“Blessed” is the word that came to mind for Amie Little, Allie Little’s mother, when talking about the walk.

“It was truly a beautiful day and I know Cami was smiling down on us the whole time,” said Amie Little.

More than $4,000 has been raised for cousin Kari Naum and her family to support them in her battle against ALS. Donations are still being accepted with the goal of $50,000 that will go toward medical treatments and living costs, as her nursing career has been cut short by the progression of ALS.

To donate to Naum’s family, visit their GoFundMe website at gofundme.com/f/support-karis-fight-against-als.

On the morning of May 3, community members dressed in blue filled the outdoor area of Biggs High School as everyone warmed up to walk a little under a mile together and raise awareness for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Photo courtesy of Amie Little