I'm joining TeamALS and ALS United Greater Chicago to raise funds and awareness to help fight back against this terrible disease and raise money to help those living with ALS right in our community.  

 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cause or cure.

 

My dad was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and passed away from the disease in 2014. When he was diagnosed, my family and I raised awareness for ALS under the team name "Truckin' with Ben" as a nod to my dad's favorite band, the Drive by Truckers. Even though his time was cut short, my dad's love of music, traveling, and the Cubs lives on with me and my brother. I am running the marathon for my dad as a way to honor his legacy. 

 

This is why challenging ALS is important to me. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. Please donate and help defeat ALS!