By Aaron Emerson

Troy, Mich., August 11, 2009 - – The Michigan Chapter of The ALS Association today announced Bill Emerson, CEO of Quicken Loans, will serve as the Corporate Chairman for their annual fundraising event, the Walk to Defeat ALS.

As corporate chair, Emerson will oversee the Walk to Defeat ALS event, taking place on Oct. 3, 2009 on Belle Isle in Detroit at 9:00 am. The Michigan ALS walks raised nearly $100,000 last year to provide patient care in Michigan, as well as research the cause and cure for ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes, someone dies as a result of the disease.

The mission of the ALS Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig’s disease, as well as their families, to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

“The fight against ALS is one that touches me personally, having lost a loved one to this terrible disease. I am proud of the work that this group does every day to provide care, education and research that will one day defeat this debilitating and deadly disease,” Emerson said.