Nobody enjoys the beach more than Josh Thompson. He was an avid surfer. He loved taking his family to the beach. He grew up on the beach and thought he’d be riding his board for years to come. But in late 2006, Josh was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Josh had to turn his attention from riding waves to fighting ALS, a battle few so young have to face.

The fight has been one of frustration. Frustration with barriers to drug access. Frustration with participating in experimental treatments. And frustration with the lack of a cure. But rather than let their frustration turn to bitterness, Josh and his family have converted their frustration to massive mobilization for the search for treatments and eventually a cure.

Over the past 3 years, more than 20,000 people have gathered… The unprecedented showing of support and love for Josh Thompson has culminated in more than $4 million raised for use in stem cell research, expanded drug access and ALS patient services as well as funded JT's Grommet Island.

This year the JT Walk… Plans are well underway for an event that will show the world that Virginia Beach is waging a fight of its own against ALS. Additionally, JT Walk is supporting the ongoing improvements and expansion of Grommet Island and has teamed up with CHKD to take Grommet Island on the Road with the first ever, kid-friendly Grombulance.