Elmhurst Family Inspires Others as Family Team Chairs of the Les Turner ALS Walk for Life on September 18, 2016

For the Toole family of Elmhurst, life is a gift to be treasured every day. Diagnosed with ALS in 2013, Matt Toole demonstrates a “never give up” mindset. The Toole’s inspiring attitude serves them well as the Team Chairs for the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s ALS Walk for Life on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at Soldier Field in Chicago. The 2-mile course winds along Chicago’s lakefront and through iconic Solider Field. With more than 7,000 participants, the ALS Walk for Life is Chicago’s, and one of the world’s, largest gatherings for the ALS community. Emceed by meteorologist Phil Schwarz of ABC7 Chicago and Kathy Hart of The MIX 101.9FM, the event will feature music, live entertainment, refreshments and children’s activities.

Matt’s journey to an ALS diagnosis was a long one. He began experiencing weakness in his left shoulder and left arm in the fall of 2010, but delayed seeing a physician due to a broken wrist. Following wrist surgery and rehabilitation, when Matt’s condition was not improving, his physician ran a series of tests and ultimately referred him to a neurologist. Throughout the years, he continued to lose strength in his upper body and then lower body. Eventually, Matt was told he has ALS. Today he receives care from the multidisciplinary team at the Les Turner ALS Research and Patient Center at Northwestern Medicine.

“While the disease is taking Matt’s physical strength it has not taken his emotional strength,” said his wife, Karen. “Prior to his illness, Matt coached our son’s baseball team, and he continued coaching until 2013, a few years after his ALS symptoms began. Additionally, with help from other fathers from Visitation School who carried Matt up to the press box, he helped announce football games until 2014. You can still find Matt on the sidelines at every baseball and football game, and he is a regular cheerleader at our children’s tennis and track and field events. Although being active can be tiring for Matt and takes more time than it used to, we are committed to taking advantage of each day, which shows others the importance of never giving up.”

The Toole family, along with friends and relatives, will walk as “Matt’s Minions” in the ALS Walk for Life. They expect to double the size of their team from last year and aim to raise at least $3,500. In its 14-year history, the ALS Walk for Life has raised more than $11 million for research, patient services and educational activities.

“The ALS Walk for Life presents an opportunity for those whose lives have been touched by ALS to join together in celebration and remembrance of loved ones,” said Andrea Pauls Backman, executive director of the Les Turner ALS Foundation. “This coming together in support of the Walk also raises significant funds for programs such as medical research, Chicago’s premier ALS clinic, support groups, equipment loans , and so much more, all of which impact people’s daily lives.”

ALS Walk for Life sponsors include: First Bank of Highland Park , Cytokinetics, Elite Staffing, Patten Cat, Sargent & Lundy, 303 Products from Gold Eagle, Hill-Rom, Blick Art Materials, The MIX 101.9FM, ABC7 Chicago, Corner Bakery, Lee ‘n Eddie’s and Comcast.

Registration

While there is no registration fee, participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100. Event day registration will open at 9:30 a.m. and the opening ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine. Pre-register at www.ALSwalkforlife.org.

ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease that attacks a person’s muscles, gradually robbing them of their ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe, yet generally keeping their mind intact. While some symptoms are treatable, there is currently no prevention or cure for ALS.

Les Turner ALS Foundation

The Les Turner ALS Foundation, founded in 1977, is Chicago’s leader in research, patient care and education about ALS, serving the vast majority of people with ALS in the area, offering help and hope when it’s needed most. One of the nation’s largest, independent ALS organizations, the Foundation allocates all funds to local research, clinical care and support services for people with ALS in the Chicagoland area. The Foundation’s full spectrum patient service programs include: in-home consultations, support groups, equipment loans, grants and educational activities. The Foundation offers hope for a future without ALS by supporting the Les Turner ALS Research and Patient Center at Northwestern Medicine, bringing together three research laboratories and a multi-disciplinary patient clinic under one umbrella.

For more information, contact 847-679-3311 or visit www.ALSwalkforlife.org.