CHICAGO (WGN) – More than 2,000 people in 152 teams participated in the Les Turner ALS Walk For Life at Soldier Field.
For patients, each stride forward is a step toward more care, research and ultimately finding a cure for ALS.
ALS is a progressive and deadly disease that weakens the muscles to move, swallow and breath.
Augustinian Priest Fr. Jim Halstead is fighting the illness now. Although his body is slowing down, he said he’s grateful for the growth inside, moving his heart and guiding him toward more compassion.
“Pray and be appreciative and be conscious of things of goodness and people,” Halstead said.
This year’s Les Turner ALS Walk For Life started with a special message from Pope Leo XIV, who is dear friend of a Halstead.
The pope shared a message of appreciation and hope while saying that those battling the disease have a special place in his thoughts and prayers.
“Your sufferings, however, offer you an opportunity to discover and affirm a profound truth, the quality of human life is not dependent on achievement. The quality of our lives is dependent on love,” the pope said.
The walk is an event Tiffony Banks and her family mark annually on their calendars.
As part of Team Glo Jean, Banks and her loved ones walk in honor of her mother Gloria Jean Stephens, who lost her battle with ALS on Aug. 4, 2013.
“My mom was a single mom of seven and she was a fierce woman, very independent, but the disease really stole her identity,” Banks said.
During her family’s toughest days, Banks said they had guidance each step of the way from the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Now they do everything they can to pay it forward.
“We want to donate our time, donate our energy because there are so many that are struggling with the disease,” Banks said.
According to the Les Turner ALS Foundation, about 5,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year and roughly 32,000 Americans are living with the disease now.
“ALS affects people from 40 to 70. Typically we do see that veterans are twice as likely to have ALS,” Laura Freveletti, CEO of the Les Turner ALS Foundation, said.
Saturday’s fundraising goal was $675,000. Every cent is meant to make life better for those battling ALS and one day find a cure, which Halstead believes will happen.
“With human ingenuity and care and work and imagination and study, yes, yes,” Halstead said.
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