16th Annual ALS & MS Walk for Living Brought Together Residents, Families, Staff and Community

On a perfect fall morning, hundreds of walkers and many dogs turned out for the 16th Annual ALS & MS Walk for Living. The two-mile walk on October 6 enabled attendees to participate in wheelchairs, ventilators or on foot. Every single dollar raised from the Walk goes directly back to patient care and programs for the ALS and MS residents. This year’s campaign met the $100,000 goal!

Walk for Living honoree Jeffrey Siegal, President & CEO of Geriatric Medical & Surgical Supply, gave a heartfelt speech about his company’s long connection with Chelsea Jewish Lifecare over the years. His employees were out in full force to show their support for the nonprofit organization.

“We are thrilled to recognize Jeffrey Siegal and the wonderful employees in his company,” said Barry Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “Everyone at Geriatric Medical has been extremely supportive of our organization. Their passion, dedication and generosity are truly remarkable.”

Betsy Mullen, COO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare and Legacy Lifecare, did a terrific job of welcoming the crowd and introducing the speakers. Also on hand was Chelsea City Manager Felix Maltez who spoke on behalf of the city. Felix, accompanied by his family, praised Chelsa Jewish Lifecare for its care and commitment to the residents.

Walk ambassador and emcee Maria Stephanos, who anchors the nightly newscast on WCVB Channel 5, noted that the Leonard Florence Center for Living is quite unique. Maria reflected on the word “living” in the center’s name. “That word means everything to the residents who call the center home,” explained Stephanos. “Walking into the Leonard Florence Center and you immediately see and feel that this is a very special place.” Maria mentioned how much she enjoyed emceeing the Walk on the 7pm newscast. You can view the segment here.

Immediately following the walk, there was an amazing performance by Phantom Phenomenon, a non-traditional dance studio based in Everett that works with children. The school specializes in urban dance moves and the students showed their interpretations of hip-hop music. Attendees also enjoyed face painting, petting zoo and a BBQ sponsored by Chili’s.

Maura Graham, Director of the ALS & MS Walk for Living, was thrilled with the turn-out. “It means so much to see all of our residents, families, staff and community members come together to support the Leonard Florence Center. I think this year’s walk was the best ever!”

Geriatric Medical was the Platinum level sponsor; A.H.O. A. was the Gold level and Independent Newspaper Group was the media sponsor. Donations are still welcome and much appreciated. Please visit www.walkforliving.org or contact Walk Director Maura Graham at mgraham@chelseajewish.org or 617-409-8973. All donations are tax deductible.

Take a look at the photos from the 2024 Walk for Living. The smiles on everyone’s faces say it all!