ANDREW LEIBENGUTH/TIMES NEWS More than 60 participants ranging from age 8 to 67 challenged themselves to a dance marathon recently during the "United We Dance to Cure ALS Zumbathon" held at the Tamaqua YMCA. The event was held to benefit Augie's Quest, which is Muscular Dystrophy Association's ALS research initiative with a cure-driven effort focusing on finding treatments and cures for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that robs people of the ability to move their muscles. Instructors Jennifer Eberts and daughter Sandra Coombe, who organized the benefit, stressed their appreciation to all the sponsors and participants of the marathon. Eberts, who lost her mother to ALS in July of 2010, said, "We often take for granted that we can move. Unfortunately, there are many people who can't because of this terrible disease." In addition to two hours of constant Zumba, there were door prizes, clothing and more. The total amount raised at the event for MDA's Augie's Quest to cure ALS was $1,177.50.