SALISBURY — As community advocate Alex Clark continues his campaign to raise $50,000 for stem cell treatment, he’ll receive a fundraising bump from Salisbury-based Go Burrito.

The restaurant said Tuesday that it will match, dollar for dollar, any contribution to Clark’s fundraising campaign on the website GoFundMe. Go Burrito owner Mikey Wetzel said the restaurant will match a maximum of $500.

The money will help Clark pay for treatment for ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clark began experiencing symptoms associated with the disease more than two years ago and learned the exact nature of his health problems in fall 2015. He says stem cell treatment is the best option for treatment.

Wetzel said he felt compelled to help after hearing that Clark had been diagnosed with ALS after turning his life around. Clark, a Rowan County native, served 18 years in prison after being convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack. Since being released from jail in 2014, he’s started a mentorship program called COMPASS. Clark uses his criminal history as a cautionary tale for young men.

Wetzel said he has a friend named Kevin Clay who recently died as a result of ALS.

“It’s just such a sad, debilitating disease,” Wetzel said.

ALS negatively affects the brain’s nerve cells and the spinal cord. Motor functions steadily deteriorate until eventually affecting a person’s ability to speak, eat and breathe.

So far, Clark’s GoFundMe account has raised $2,535.

Wetzel said he had planned to give $100 to Clark’s fundraiser but decided he could do more.

He said people who wish to take advantage of Go Burrito’s match should send a Facebook message to the restaurant with confirmation of a donation. The $500 amount is a total rather than being $500 per donation.

Go Burrito’s Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/GoBurrito.

Clark’s GoFundMe page can be found at gofundme.com/fighting-als-with-alex-clark.

Contact Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.