Foundation News
These people are unstoppable.
The ALS Walk for Life brings together thousands of walkers who have dedicated their time to helping people living with ALS. We’re excited to gather with the ALS community and raise much needed funds for ALS research, care and support of people living with ALS, while honoring those who have passed.
If you haven’t already, there is still time to register online and join us at Soldier Field on Saturday, September 24.
In this newsletter, meet a few of the amazing people who are going above and beyond in their fundraising. Every contribution makes a difference for ALS care and research. And don’t forget, there are still limited funds available from the Haarlow Family Charitable Foundation, so act now!
Kelly: Going the extra step for mom
What better motivation is there than walking for a loved one? Kelly, captain of team DDB, walks to honor her mom, Dina, who was diagnosed with ALS in October 2021.
“My team is hoping that by raising money and walking, Les Turner will be able to find ALS cures and help anyone in the future, so they don’t have to live through this horrible disease. My mom, me, and my family are so blessed to have friends and family gather around us in this rough time and show us so much support,” says Kelly.
Kelly smashed her original fundraising goal of $100 with a current amount of $3,815! As a team they have raised an amazing $7,128 as of today. Way to go Kelly and DDB!
Elizabeth: Staying Strong for Stephanie!
Like Kelly, Elizabeth will be walking for her mom, Stephanie. As team captain of Stay Strong for Stephanie!, she participated in the Walk for the first time in person last year and is grateful for the support of the ALS community.
“This year is an emotional one for our team. We lost my mom last year and I miss her every day. I remember when she was diagnosed in 2020 and learning about ALS. I was devastated to hear that there is no cure. I walk to honor her memory. I walk for hope. I walk so others do not have to feel what I felt when my mom was diagnosed with ALS. I walk for a cure.”
As of today, Elizabeth has almost doubled her individual fundraising goal. And as a team, Stay Strong for Stephanie! has already surpassed its goal at $2,757 and counting. Amazing work, Elizabeth, and team!
Patrick: Doing it for dad, the coconut kid
Patrick and his team, Dave’s Coconut Kids, are not new to the Walk or to fundraising for ALS. Patrick and his team have been participating in the ALS Walk for Life for the past 15 years in memory of Patrick’s dad, Dave. Because of his penchant for vacationing in warm weather spots and developing a deep tan, Dave was nicknamed the ‘coconut kid,’ which later morphed into their team name, Dave’s Coconut Kids.
“My father Dave began his fight against ALS with the help of the wonderful people at the Les Turner ALS Foundation over 15+ years ago. My team walks in memory of my father who lost his battle against ALS in December 2009 with the hope that someday a cure can be found for this terrible disease. The Les Turner ALS Foundation staff helped us prepare for everything along the way. We are forever grateful for the help they provided us in navigating my father’s care during his illness.”
With a goal of $15,000, Dave’s Coconut Kids has raised an astonishing $32,054 as of today. Patrick himself has raised 50% of his $20,000 goal. Outstanding!
Who are you walking for?
Kelly, Elizabeth, Patrick, and thousands of others at Soldier Field will be walking to honor their parents, to support those living with ALS, and to raise funds for ALS research and care.
Will you join them?
With less than a week left until the Walk, now is the time to up your game and surpass your own fundraising goals. New this year, we even have a few special fundraising incentives:
- $100 = 2022 ALS Walk for Life T-shirt
- $250 = a boat tote cooler
- $500 = a picnic blanket
- $750 = a Bluetooth speaker
- $1,000+ = a folding chair with carrying bag
Win all these great items above by raising $1,000+!
The top 3 fundraising teams will win a $100 restaurant gift card, while the top 3 individual fundraisers will win a $100 American Express card.
Thank you to all this year’s individuals and teams for your fundraising efforts.
Registration is still open online. Walk with us and help create a world free of ALS.
