Those who know me well are very familiar with a few of my favorite hobbies: running, playing the same Spotify playlists on repeat, and boasting about how great of a city Chicago is. Come this October, I will blend the three together as I take on the 2023 Chicago Marathon! Running a marathon has long been a (crazy) goal of mine and I’m equally excited & nervous to take on my first 26.2 on October 8th!

As I prepare for this challenge, I would like to raise awareness to a far greater mission; a cause that is near and dear to my heart - the fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). ALS is a motor neuron disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, severely impacting muscle movement. As the disease progresses, symptoms become widespread leading to the complete loss of voluntary movements, typically over a three to five year period. Currently there is not a cure to treat ALS, though studies are advancing to better understand its causes and how to limit the progression of symptoms. Efforts are also underway to support families that are caring for loved ones courageously battling ALS, through the expansion of disease education & local support groups.

Organizations such as the Les Turner ALS Foundation are leading the fight against the disease, supporting prevention and treatment efforts with the vision of living in a world free of ALS. Their mission is to provide individualized, quality care to each person living with ALS and lead support groups for families, friends and caregivers. The Les Turner Foundation provides care in the greater Chicagoland area through clinical trials and studies, collaboration with neuromuscular specialists and access to support services specialists.

I have proudly joined the 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. This cause is important to me and I’d greatly appreciate your support of my efforts.