by Sarah Willson
For the first time in three years, the annual ALS Walk between the Student Government Association and the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity has been canceled due to time constraints and scheduling issues.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as ALS, is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, making bodily movements either difficult or impossible for those affected. As of now, there is no cure.
The decision regarding the cancelation of the event came to light before spring vacation at a regularly scheduled SGA meeting when Vice President Marissa Cusano announced that the annual partnership between the two groups would not work out, saying the decision was a “mutual” one between both groups.
Despite the contacts made between both parties before the final say, Jake Goulas, Phi Delta Theta member and committee chair for last year’s walk, said that there was simply too much to handle at the time.
“[In order] to be able to [successfully] host a walk this size on campus, [one would] need to organize a marketing campaign to spread awareness, gather donations from local business for the ALS Association while going through the bureaucracy of CCSU,” Goulas said. “All this needs to happen within [a] tight time crunch while balancing personal obligations that need to fulfilled in your life.”
Cusano, who spoke on behalf of the SGA, confirmed this, saying that unfortunately, “things just didn’t work out this year.”
“It does sadden me to hear we will not be hosting a walk this year,” Goulas said. “Personally, though, I am a firm believer that if you can’t put 100 percent into something, then it shouldn’t be done.”
More than anything, Goulas made it clear that he did not want the cancelation to be looked upon as “bad” due to the successes that previous walks have contributed to the ALS foundation.
“Nothing should tarnish the fact that the last three ALS Walks have gathered more than 800 people and collected over $20,000 in donations, which were donated to the ALS Association,” Goulas said. “That is an outstanding achievement from both organizations.”
Still, both groups say they are unaware as to what the future will look like for the walk.
“I am unaware [of] what will happen in the future,” Goulas said. “But I can say that it will really come down to the participation from both organizations. I hope for the best, but either way, Phi Delta [Theta] will still make sure to do its part and participate in finding a cure for ALS.”
Cusano agreed, saying that this does not affect the future of the walk, as it could always happen again next year if both the senate and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity are willing to host it.