I am running for my mom, Ann Ventola, who passed away from ALS in January 2024 after more than two years of living with this horrible disease.

That’s why I’m joining TeamALS—to raise funds, spread awareness, and fight back against ALS. ALS United Greater Chicago provides vital patient services, funds groundbreaking research, and supports families affected by this disease—all in the hope of finding treatments and, one day, a cure.

ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that takes away the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. Every 90 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes, another life is lost. There is no known cause or cure—but together, we can change that.

This race is my way of honoring my mom. Any donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to a world without ALS. Thank you for your support!