In Memory of Maxine White - My Bonus Mom
In December of 2020 my Mother-In-Law, Maxine White, lost her battle with ALS - just weeks after the diagnosis. It was extremely difficult for the family to comprehend how someone who had always been so strong could succumb so quickly to this disease - but that IS ALS!
For me, it wasn't about losing my Mother-in-Law, I lost my "Bonus Mom." I started dating her daughter Debbie - and my wife of 43 years - when I was only 15 years old. Throughout my high school years, my college years, and most of my adult life I could always count on her guidance and support - just like a second mother. And she always enthusiastically supported my athletic endeavors, and I know she'll get a kick out of me running the Chicago Marathon in her honor with my new hip!
So, I'm joining TeamALS to raise funds and awareness to help fight back against this disease. ALS United Greater Chicago provides much needed patient services resources, funds global, cutting-edge research, and much more in order to help those living with ALS right in our community.
TeamALS is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency of our cause and to push for treatments and a cure.
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.
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
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. I'm asking for your help. Please join me in honoring my "Bonus Mom" with a donation to help defeat ALS!
Achievements
I've raised more than $10,000 for Team Challenge ALS!
I've raised more than $10,000 for Team Challenge ALS!
I Made a Difference!
I supported this event with a personal donation.
Personal Progress:
of Goal
$10,150
Raised
$15,000.00
Fundraising Honor Roll
Alan Hill
$200
Anonymous
$100
Anonymous
$100
Anonymous
$100
Debbie W Davila
$1,000
Donna White Meyer
$200
Doug Smith
$200
Kathy Hubbard
$200
Kevin & Nancy Armstrong
$500
Luis and Debbie Davila
$5,000
Luis R Davila
$500
Mr. Blair (Andy) A. Rieth
$200
Mr. Gregory A Sissel
$200
Mr. Jon Fortt
$200
Mr. Lawrence E Young
$200
Mr. Steve Meyer
$200
Mrs. Chloie Favinger
$50
Mrs. Doreen Barbour
$100
Ms. Kathy Patterson Vrabeck
$200
Myrna Mulholland
$100
Rita Maritza Davila
$500
Thomas Gomez
$100
