By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The foe is and was ALS.
And the Union City High School cheerleaders turned out to support the “home” team.
Members of the UCHS group cheered on and encouraged several hundred participants who showed up for the recently-held Walk to Defeat ALS, held at Discovery Park of America.
Union City resident Larrabee Kirkland – who has ALS — was the focus of the event, which was organized by a group of her friends in honor of her fight against disease.
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. ALS can strike anyone and there currently is no cure.
Representatives of the Tennessee chapter of the ALS Association also participated in the organization of the walk, which raised more than double the $20,000 original financial goal.
The Union City High School cheerleaders were simply happy to offer their support after being contacted by a member of the “Bee Team,” of which Mrs. Kirkland was a part.
“I was so proud of how well the girls represented Union City High School,” UCHS cheerleading coach Kim Sherwood said. “I’m so thankful that we were given the opportunity to give back a little of our time to support such a great cause and our great community.”
Thirteen teams that included 125 members registered in advance, with more than 500 participants in all involved after a huge walk-up crowd on Saturday morning.