Did you know that the lifetime risk of developing ALS is just 1 in 300? There is no known cure for ALS and, once diagnosed, patients typically live only three to five years. These are alarming facts about ALS, but we can help change the course of the disease and ensure that progress is made towards finding life-enhancing treatments and a cure.

This cause is especially personal for me because my good friend, Kendel Howell, is currently fighting this horrible disease.  She was diagnosed three years ago as of race day, and while she maintains her optimism and sense of humor, this disease has stripped her of many things already.  When she entered my life seven years ago as our babysitter, she was a 30 year old vivacious blonde, full of energy. I watched helplessly as she began dropping things, then tripping and falling, breaking bones as a result. Today, she cannot speak.  Instead, she uses her eye movements and a specialized iPad to communicate.  Her muscles have atrophied, robbing her of the ability to walk.  She relies on an electric wheelchair for mobility. Even sitting upright is tiresome for her neck muscles.  She relies on a feeding tube for liquids and daily medications.  Her mind and wit are still sharp as tacks, and she’s still ticking off boxes on her bucket list.  In fact, I will be accompanying her this September in visiting the Eiffel Tower!  But I’d give anything to prevent this from happening to her.  This is my contribution to race for a cure in her honor.

I am participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of Team Race for ALS because I believe in the mission of the Les Turner ALS Foundation! I believe in providing the best possible care to people living with ALS and their families, and I believe that the funds we raise together will lead to a cure for ALS. 

Please help me honor Kendel and consider making a donation to help me reach my fundraising goal. Together, we can make an impact and create a world free of ALS.