SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

On the West Steps of the California State Capitol, families, caregivers and advocates gathered for the Walk to Defeat ALS, united by a shared mission to find a cure for a disease that still has no definitive answers.

Among them was Linna Abbott, who honored her late husband, Michael, by leading the day’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, surrounded by their grandchildren.

Michael Abbott was diagnosed with ALS on May 13, 2024, and, as Linna shared, his illness moved swiftly. “Michael was a extremely intelligent man,” she said. “He was a husband, a best friend, my confidence, my everything, and he was an amazing stepfather… he just loved the grandchildren—we have 13, and two great.”

Before his diagnosis, life was full of motion.

“Before Michael was diagnosed, we were very ac

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