Families who affected by ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, are invited to attend The ALS Association Evergreen Chapter's fourth annual "Visualize ... A World Without ALS Spokane Luncheon."

The event takes place today from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center in Spokane, which will honor people and families the disease has impacted.

Keynote speaker is Jennifer Cowper, an owner of Pinnacle Physical Therapy, of Coeur d'Alene. Cowper will highlight the impact on patients and families living with ALS. Cowper's mother, Annie Dorris, has lived with the disease since May 2011.

"To watch your mom deteriorate before your eyes from such a debilitating disease is devastating," Cowper said. "She is currently fully wheelchair bound and is unable to care for herself."

In 2012, Cowper completed the Coeur d'Alene Ironman Triathlon in honor of her mother.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. For unknown reasons, veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population. There is no cure, and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration modestly extends survival.

Seating is available via the Evergreen Chapter's Website, or contact Jennifer Hanson, development director, at (509) 863-4321 to reserve your seat or table for this event. This event is open to all families affected by ALS who are living in Washington, Idaho, and Montana, which are service areas for the Evergreen Chapter.