JT Walk

JT Walk Showing the world that Virginia Beach is waging a fight of its own against ALS and other neurological Nobody enjoys the beach more than Josh Thompson.

He was an avid surfer. He loved taking his family to the beach. He grew up on the beach and thought he'd be riding his board for years to come. But in late 2006, Josh was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. Josh had to turn his attention from riding waves to fighting ALS, a battle few so young have to face. The fight has been one of frustratio

n. Frustration with barriers to drug access, with as yet unsuccessful experimental treatments and with the lack of a cure. But rather than let their frustration turn to bitterness, Josh and his family have converted their frustration to a massive mobilization for the search for treatments and eventually a cure. In 2007, a group of young men that had been raised together in Virginia Beach decided they wanted to find a way to give something back to the community and formed the Virginia Gentlemen Foundation. When Chris Thompson, a founding member, received news that his brother, Josh, was diagnosed with ALS, The Virginia Gentlemen decided to make the fight against ALS their goal as well. Working with the local ALSA chapter their first initiative, named "The Keys to Life Program" helped patients with transportation to and from medical appointments, but it didn't stop there. In 2008, the Virginia Gentlemen partnered with ALSA in the local Walk. This annual walk, previously held at The Botanical Gardens, was moved to the oceanfront boardwalk to accommodate the expected attendance. What started out as one team in the Hampton Roads ALS walk has now become the National ALS Foundation's largest single day walk and fundraiser, raising over $4 million to date for stem cell research for neurological disorders, ALS patient services and the creation of JT's Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for EveryBODY. Over the last 4 years more than 20,000 people have gathered at the Virginia Beach oceanfront to participate in what is now known as the JT Walk & Beach Party. This year promises an even bigger turnout.

03/21/2023

YMCA at JT's Camp Grom is providing fun activities for the family that are all accessible to most! Where needed, staff will be available to ensure participants are safe.

Food drives are a fun and easy way to help us provide a variety of nutritious food and miscellaneous items to seniors, children, and low-income families who face hunger. Collect non-perishable food, hygiene items, and baby products from our Shopping List and turn them in for us to distribute! https://loom.ly/gq2n2kc

Merry Christmas to you and yours!
12/26/2022

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

11/11/2022
10/31/2022

The JT Camp Grom Oyster Roast is almost here! Join us November 5th for fun and fellowship and help provide adaptive camp experiences for people of all abilities! Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, and the silent auction will provide accessible adventures for kids and adults with differing abilities, wounded veterans, and Gold Star Families. www.ymcashr.org/oyster-roast-ymca-jts-camp-grom


07/29/2022
06/01/2022
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave" -Elmer Davis
05/30/2022

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave" -Elmer Davis

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Virginia Beach, VA
23451

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+17573681944

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