Team Pepsi Participates in Kelowna ALS Walk Honoring Family Members

On June 8, 2025, Team Pepsi participated in the annual Move to Cure ALS walk in Kelowna, British Columbia, honoring three family members who succumbed to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The event, which commenced at Stuart Park, attracted approximately 175 participants and aimed to raise funds for the ALS Society of B.C., which supports research and provides mobility equipment for patients afflicted with this debilitating condition.

Susan Hunter, a member of Team Pepsi, expressed the deep personal connection the family has with the brand, stating, "Their dad drank Pepsi from the time we were married." Hunter's husband, Darren, passed away in October 2024 after a courageous battle with ALS. She recalled that Pepsi was a staple in their household, emphasizing the family's affinity for the beverage by noting, "At one point, he had 120 two-liter bottles under our step because there was a sale on... So, Pepsi is our logo, and we will always be Team Pepsi."

The family’s shirts prominently displayed photos of Darren along with his sister Wendy and father Roy, who also battled ALS. "We need to find a cure so that nobody else in our family gets this," Hunter highlighted, noting the genetic predisposition her children face concerning the disease. She stated, "I believe a cure is out there; we just need the funds to be able to do it and the government to step up and give us the money to be able to do trials."

Donald Miyazaki, Executive Director of the ALS Society of B.C., provided insight into the ongoing efforts to combat ALS. He remarked, "Strides are being made towards finding a cure, and 40 percent of the funds raised go directly to research. The other 60 percent provides those living with ALS mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs, as the disease causes people to lose the ability to use their muscles."

Miyazaki elaborated that the average lifespan following an ALS diagnosis ranges between two to five years, with progression varying among individuals. He emphasized that ALS does not discriminate across demographics, affecting people of various backgrounds and ages.

Prior to the event's commencement, approximately $23,000 had been raised, with a goal of reaching $60,000. The funds are anticipated to increase significantly during the after-party, which features a silent auction, a barbecue lunch by donation, and a raffle. The enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by the participants underscores the collective commitment to finding a cure for this progressive neurodegenerative disease.

For further information on the ALS Society of B.C. and its initiatives, interested individuals can visit their website at ALSBC.ca.