CarolAnn Garratt Has Flown Twice Around The World To Raise Awareness Of ALS

CarolAnn Garratt, who has circumnavigated the planet twice in an effort to raise awareness for ALS, has launched a third attempt which began with a lecture on her previous flights Monday at Boston University.

Garratt's Planned Route

"Those of us who have seen a relative or a friend die of ALS typically feel the need to do something, to help find a treatment for this destructive disease.  I certainly want to help.  If I can combine my love of aviation and raise donations and awareness for ALS at the same time, so much the better," said Garratt, who at 56 years old has already made two previous trips around the world. Garratt has made each trip in a single engine airplane made by Mooney.

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Association (AIAA) and the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) at Boston University arranged for Garratt to give a presentation and lecture on circumnavigating the globe. She first flew solo around the world in 2003, in honor of her mother who died of ALS in 2002. Five years later, Garratt made a second flight around the world, this time with a co-pilot, Carol Foy. Together they set a new world record by circumnavigating the world in 8.5 days in a single engine aircraft. Garratt has written two books about her travels and raised $328,461 to date in support of ALS research.

"CarolAnn's effort brings worldwide attention to ALS and the nearly half a million people who are living with this disease across the globe. ALS has no prejudice to race, age, gender or ethnicity. The prognosis is the same worldwide; no effective treatments and no cure are yet available. The funds raised through this effort will go toward changing that reality as soon as possible and bring real hope to ALS patients today," said Steve Perrin, Ph.D., CEO and chief scientific officer at ALS Therapy Development Institute.

Using a satellite tracker, Garratt's progress across the globe can be followed in real-time online and on Facebook. She plans to complete this trip in about 12 months, during which time she will give dozens of presentations about her previous and current flight around the world. All donations made through her effort will fund research at ALS TDI, a 501c3 nonprofit organization developing effective treatments for ALS.

FMI: www.als.net, www.alsworldflight.com