Plummeting toward the ground from 12,000 feet is a good way to temporarily raise your blood pressure and make a lasting difference by raising money for Sunnybrook's ALS research and care.

Your chance to do so comes on August 17 at the fifth annual Walton Family Jumping 4 "PALS" (People with ALS) near Cookstown, north of Toronto. Beyond tandem skydiving, the event features activities for the whole family, including a barbecue, face painting, balloon animals, silent auction, giveaways and live music - all to raise money toward amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

The fatal neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading progressively to paralysis.

Barrie resident Derek Walton and his wife, Diane, founded the event as an original way to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. Derek, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2002, has taken the leap year after year through tandem skydives. He is no longer able to skydive, but will be at this year's event to cheer on participants as they raise money for ALS Canada and the The Walton Cure 4 ALS Fund, which supports Sunnybrook's ALS/Neuromuscular Clinic, the largest of its kind in Canada.

"This is a terrific - and thrilling - event that has achieved so much for ALS research," says Dr. Lorne Zinman, the clinic's medical director. "Everyone at Sunnybrook is grateful for Derek's outstanding efforts in raising funds and awareness for ALS."

By benefiting ALS Canada and Sunnybrook's clinic, event proceeds provide equipment, support services, education for the ALS community, and fund research to find a cure.

Full event details can be found at www.alsjumping4pals.ca