Walk to Defeat ALS event draws celebs to Exposition Park, raises $400,000

EXPOSITION PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands, including some famous faces, turned out in Exposition Park to join the fight against ALS, raising more than $400,000.

All of the funds from Walk to Defeat ALS go toward finding a cure for ALS, which is a fatal illness that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Many participants attended the event in support of publicist, Nanci Ryder.

"I've known Nanci for so many years. She's been my publicist, she's been one of my closest friends, and this means the world to her and this disease," said actress Courteney Cox. "I would do anything for Nanci Ryder."

Actress Jennifer Garner also attended the event.

"If we can figure out ALS, that research can solve so many medical problems that will affect every single person here at some point in time, if not directly, then a family member or a loved one," Garner said.

ALS can strike anyone at any time. There is no known cause and no known cure for the disease.