Something for Dogbomb - Raleigh ALS Walk

Friends of Tony is a team formed in support and honor of Tony “Dogbomb” Barrett, a member of the anthropomorphic community who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. The Friends of Tony are dedicated to aiding the ALS association in their goal of bringing hope, raising awareness, and providing resources and services to families affected by ALS free of charge.

**The Raleigh ALS Walk has been postponed by the ALS Association due to concerns over COVID-19. New dates are not available yet, but we will announce them as soon as they are available. We're also working on something special in the meantime. Stay tuned!**

Fursuiter safety!

In any situation, if you are in dire need of air/water and feeling uncomfortable, please note any handlers nearby immediately, get help to remove your costume and rest. If you just need to pop your head for a break, we kindly ask you to please look for location that is decently private to do so.

Team T-shirts

2020 team t-shirts are now available! All proceeds from t-shirt sales will be donated to the ALS Association to help provide patient care, equipment, and research.

2020 ALS Walk Shirt Artwork2020 ALS Walk Shirt

Details

ALS Walk

ALS Walk Schedule

Registration

Registration for the ALS Walk is not required. However, we do ask that you

  1. Fill out our sign-up sheet so we can get a headcount of who plans on attending.
  2. Register on the Friends of Tony ALS Association fundraiser page to show support for the team.

FAQ

What is the ALS Walk?

It is the Annual fundraiser event to fight against ALS in Raleigh, North Carolina. Amyotrophic Lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. A group of local furs attended the 2019 ALS walk as team "Friend of Tony" to honor Dogbomb. They are doing it again this year.

Do I need to register to the team in order to attend the walk?

While registration is not required for attending the walk, we ask that you please do register. Besides honoring Dogbomb, raising funds for ALS research will help speed up a possible cure being found, and up current ALS fighters' survival rates.

I would like to join the fundraiser too. How do I become a part of the team?

Wonderful! Not only do the funds we raise goes to research for a cure, they will also be used to help local ALS patients and their needs. Whether or not you can make it to the walk, please register to the team "Friends of Tony" here to help spread the word about the fundraiser! If you can make it to the walk, we will see you there!

Where do I park for the ALS Walk?

For general attendees the lot next to NC museum of Natural Science/ NC museum of History is the closest to the walk site. The address is 101 N Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601, and the two entrance are located on East Jones Street, and East Edenton Street.

For folks with special needs or physical difficulty, please utilize parking lot next to Phillips Building - street address: 109 E North St, Raleigh, NC 27601. The association does need to reserve some spots ALS patients and their family, so please try to search for a parking space elsewhere if you are able!

Street parking is free in Raleigh downtown on weekends, but please read the sign to ensure you actually parked at a safe spot that allows free public parking on the day of the event.

We strongly suggest you try show up about or before 8:00 AM, and take advantage to secure a parking space by the museums!

What do I do once I've gotten there?/Where are we meeting up?

The Halifax mall is located north of the North Carolina Legislative Building. Please walk up towards the Legislative Building after you've parked and walk around the building to the either side. The grass field on the other side of the bridge is Halifax Mall.

We will meet at the team tent. Actual tent location is currently TBD, but if there is no change, our tent will be at the same spot as last year, which is directly south of the volunteer tent. Please look for giant animal people and where they came from if you think you are lost!

How long is the walk?

About 2 miles.

Is ALS walk fursuit friendly?

Yes. But, please be mindful if your character expresses/associates with anything dark, or shows signs of death (example: vulture, raven, zombie, showing fleshes and bones etc.). We ask that you please keep such outfits / costumes at home. The team will have a huge white tent to store fursuits and to change in, and NCAS will provide water. We will need fursuit spotters at the walk, please let fursuiters know if you are available and willing to assist them on the day of the event (ratio 1 handler : 2~3 fursuiters).

What happens if it rains?

We will walk rain or shine. If you are bringing your fursuit, please use your best judgement on whether or not to put on the suit depending on the weather

I am a fursuiter, is okay to approach other walk attendees from different teams?

Please use common sense when approaching the public. Look for signs as to whether your presence is welcome or not. If people acknowledge you and want to get closer to you, or even want a photo with you, that's a "yes." Otherwise, please give people space.

Is the ALS walk dog friendly?

Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome to participate! Please make sure to clean up after your K-9 friends!

Is there a theme for this event?

Yes, the theme is Superhero! Please bring out all your Superhero outfit and props, be the superhero to fight off ALS on the walk day!

What do I need to do to prepare or bring to the event?

Yourself!!!

We also recommend making a sign to honor Dogbomb and to fight ALS, and bringing your fursuit, hydration, and extra cash for: ALS swag, snacks to share, money if we go do group meal.

Dogbomb

Tony “Dogbomb" Barrett who was a former ALS patient, and a huge influence on bringing positivity to others through sharing caring words, and also acting silly in his fursuit in our community. He passed away due to ALS, and we miss him dearly. We want to honor him by showing support to our local ALS chapter.