I’m running in support of Lorayna Gonzalez and the Gonzalez family (Reed, Morgan, Andie and Martin)

Below is a message from the Gonzalez’s:

As some of you may know, our mom, Lorayna, was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in August 2024. This news came as a complete shock to our family and has been heartbreaking to process.

ALS is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that slowly takes away the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. There is currently no known cause or cure, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is just 2 to 5 years.

If you know our mom, you know that she has always been the one holding everything, and everyone, together. Between juggling three daughters, a fireman’s unpredictable schedule, school drop-offs and pick-ups, sports, doctor appointments, birthday parties, and family gatherings, she never missed a moment to show up for the people she loves.

Now, it’s our turn to show up for her.

Lorayna is the definition of strength, not because she has to be, but because it’s who she’s always been. She’s the heart of our family: steady, selfless, and endlessly supportive. She loves football Sundays, rock and roll in the kitchen, baking something amazing just because, and slow afternoons by the pool with our dad. Even as life has changed, she continues to face every day with the same quiet courage and grace that has always defined her.

This year, our dear friend Livy is running the Chicago Marathon with Team ALS in Mom’s honor. We are so grateful for her dedication to help raise awareness and funds for ALS research, support, and hope. Livy, we are all rooting for you! 

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to a future where no family has to hear the words “there’s no cure.”

We’re endlessly grateful for your love, your support, and for helping us fight for Lorayna, and for every family affected by this devastating disease.