Walk to Defeat ALS, an effort to raise funds benefiting research and patient care services for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, will take place Sun., May 4 at Plaza Park in Ventura. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony will start at 10:30 a.m.

The event is part of the continued campaign by the ALS Association, Greater Los Angeles Chapter to raise awareness and funding for the fight against ALS.

Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, 5,600 new cases of ALS are diagnosed annually. The disease affects the function of the nerves and muscles. People with ALS have an average life expectancy of two to five years from the time of diagnosis, and there is no known cause, prevention or cure.

For more information or to register for the walk, visit www.alsala.org or call (818) 865-8061, ext. 229.