JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is estimated to affect some 18,000 people in the United States at any given time, and every 90 minutes someone is either diagnosed with or passes from ALS.
Several years ago our WJXT family was personally touched by ALS when our beloved executive producer Sharon Siegel-Cohen was diagnosed.
ALS, a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles, tends to strike people between the ages of 40 and 70.
A Jacksonville native and a friend to hundreds, Sharon made a huge difference in countless lives, eventually becoming an advocate for a cure for the muscular disease.
Sharon supported The Walk to Defeat ALS locally before she lost her own courageous battle in 2020 at the age of 62.
Former News4JAX Executive Producer Sharon Siegel-Cohen was diagnosed with ALS. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
Now, Sharon’s News4JAX family keeps her memory alive by continuing her legacy of participation in the walk each year.
The Walk to Defeat ALS has a direct impact on people living with ALS and their families at the local level.
Through education, support groups, access to care and advocacy, the ALS Association works to defeat ALS and provide hope to people living with ALS and their families.
We would like to continue raising money in Sharon’s name, in hopes of finding a cure for ALS.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO SHARON’S SONGBIRDS
If you would like to donate, you can do so here. Every amount — no matter the size — is a step toward our goal.
Please consider making a donation in memory of Sharon. With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.
If you’d like to learn more information about this progressive disease, visit: http://www.alsa.org.
WHEN: Saturday, May 2; Check-in: 8:30 a.m.; Walk starts: 10 a.m.
WHERE: Friendship Fountain | 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville
To participate, register a team or sponsor, contact Savannah Kelly, Savannah.Kelly@als.org or 904-524-1435.
Sharon leads her team and more than 1,000 others Saturday in the Jacksonville Walk to Defeat ALS.Before the walk began, lots of people wanted photos with Sharon, including the Justice family.Sharon’s son, Martin, and husband, Joel (back row), and others also posed for dozens of pictures with their friends, new and old.Almost as many hugs as photos.All ages in all ways showed they love Sharon.No description foundThe Songbirds wore red at Sharon’s request. Some had customized shirts.Just before the walk began, Sharon was acknowledged from the stage and spoke about the tremendous support she has received since her diagnosis.Then she cut the ribbon and the walk began.And they’re off.No description foundNo description foundThe two-mile walk weaved through the streets of the office park behind Tinsletown.No description foundNo description foundWell over 1,000 walkers participated in Saturday’s walk.No description foundMany teams, many stories, all walking and raising money to battle ALS.Smiles all round at the finish line.Not all of Sharon’s Songbirds squeezed into the all- team picture after the walk.More than three dozen of Sharon’s current and former co-workers participated in the walk.People who participated during different parts of her 32-years at WJXT.Others in the team had known Sharon even longer, including fellow graduates of Wolfson High School.And sorority sisters from her time at the University of Florida were also well-represents, some traveling to Jacksonville to participate.
Sharon leads her team and more than 1,000 others Saturday in the Jacksonville Walk to Defeat ALS.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4Jax – All rights reserved.