Triad residents are working together to help raise awareness about a devastating neurological disease.

ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, affects nerve cells in the brain and robs victims of the ability to move or talk and ultimately takes their lives.

As many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.

There’s no cure for ALS yet, but extensive research is underway at research institutions across the country, including Wake Forest University. Although medical experts don’t know what causes the disease, some cases have been linked to genetics.

The NC Chapter of the ALS Association is organizing a walk this month to help support more research. The chapter is named the "Catfish" chapter in memory of NC native and professional baseball player Jim "Catfish" Hunter who suffered from the disease.

Sandra Boyette, a volunteer with the event, said hundreds of people are expected to participate in the walk.

"The walk has gone on for several years... I became involved when my mom died of ALS. We form teams and try to get a lot of people out there fundraising." said Boyette.

This year, the walk is about a mile.  It will start at Bridger Field House at BB&T Field and end up on the football field itself. Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 21.