Did you know 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, but we can help change the course of this disease and ensure that progress is made toward finding life-enhancing treatments and a cure.

As you may know, I moved to Chicago three and half years ago with Eileen after her mom Lynne was diagnosed with ALS. Just over two years after her diagnosis Lynne ended her battle with ALS. Throughout this time I learned that ALS is relentless and constantly changing. Making navigating the disease and care often daunting and complicated. 

The Les Turner ALS Foundation provides guidance and support to those affected by the disease and their care team. They are with them from time of diagnosis through the grief process. They helped provide us with nurses, knowledge, supplies, grief counseling and they even connected us with Caryl (Lynne's angel of a care giver). The Les Turner Foundation also partners with Northwestern Medicine in supporting research to develop treatments and find a cure.  

As you may also know, I have never really considered myself a runner and running a marathon never seemed like something I would attempt or be able to complete. But, in the last three years I have met so many strong and resilient people. I witnessed the strength in Lynne and her community of loved ones, friends, and caregivers and something impossible like a marathon doesn’t seem quite as impossible anymore. I am participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of Team Race for ALS both to honor Lynne and all she gave battling ALS and to help the Les Turner Foundation with their goal of supporting people living with ALS and to one day find a cure. I am hopeful I will finish the marathon and reach my fundraising goal. 

I am also hopeful that one day we will live in a world without ALS. Please consider making a donation to help me reach my fundraising goal and make an impact in finding a cure and supporting those living with ALS today.