Former UNCP Professor Champions ALS Awareness Through Annual Walk in North Myrtle Beach
On September 27, walkers from across the region will gather in North Myrtle Beach to raise funds and awareness for the fight against ALS — a cause close to the heart of former UNC Pembroke professor Dr. Tim Ritter.
Ritter, who taught physics for 21 years before retiring two years after his ALS diagnosis in 2015, has spent the years since his diagnosis not retreating, but stepping forward. Shortly after learning he had the disease, he participated in his first Walk to Defeat ALS in Fayetteville, determined to rally support for research and resources. This year marks his 10th walk.
"ALS is a terrible disease. It’s always fatal, and there’s no cure. But the walk gives people something they can do. It builds community, raises money and it’s a way for friends and family to show up for each other."
Several of Ritter’s former colleagues, including Dr. Paul Flowers, and friends at UNCP, participate in the annual walk. Flowers, one of Ritter’s closest friends, makes the three-hour trip every other month to have lunch with Ritter, often at his favorite spot — Calabash Gourmet and Sushi Bar.
“I’ve never had many friends,” Flowers said, “but I’ve always had at least one good one. Tim has been that friend ever since we met. He is an awesome guy. The kind of guy I aspire to be.”
For Flowers, participating in the annual walk isn’t just about supporting a cause—it’s about honoring Ritter’s perseverance. “If the roles were reversed, I doubt I could handle it as well as Tim has,” Flowers said. “He’s rarely in a bad mood. Instead of throwing a pity party, he turned it around — raising awareness and generating support for the ALS network. That’s inspiring.”
The Walk to Defeat ALS began in 2015 with just 20 participants meeting for sandwiches after the event. Now, it draws nearly 200 walkers, features catering from Mission BBQ, live music, face painting, a bouncy house, a JROTC color guard and giveaways including T-shirts and swag bags. In 2024, the event had 22 corporate sponsors and raised $32,000.
“We’re hoping to surpass last year’s numbers,” said Ritter, who uses a ventilator to breathe. “Raising money is important — it funds research and helps people living with ALS — but advocacy is just as important. Many people don’t know what ALS is. There are no treatments, no cures and the life expectancy is just two to five years. Awareness is critical.”
The walk attracts participants from across the country, including Ritter’s former Naval Academy colleague from Maryland, his former roommate from Iraq, who travels from Colorado and family from New York.
“Seeing that support moves me to tears,” Ritter said.
Ritter’s life before ALS was equally impactful. At UNCP, he directed the Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity (PURC) Center, oversaw the NC Regional IV Science Fair, launched the Weightless Lumbees microgravity research program, received the Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award and delivered the commencement speech in 2013. But for Flowers, Ritter’s greatest influence was personal. “Watching how Tim interacted with his son, Blayne, showed me what even-handed discipline and genuine care look like,” he said.
The annual Walk to Defeat ALS has become a rallying point for Ritter’s family, friends, former colleagues and students.
For Ritter, the walk is as much about connection as it is about the cause. “It’s a good time — good music, food, kids' activities and great fellowship. You can walk as little or as much as you want and still be part of something meaningful.”
This year’s walk begins at 11:30 a.m. on September 27. Visit here to register or donate. All proceeds benefit the ALS Association. If you wish to become a corporate sponsor for $100, contact Ritter at: tmritter13@gmail.com.