Neighbor News
Gurnee Woman Honored by Running Community at Strike Out ALS Event on July 11
In the first six months of 2016, Patti Greer of Gurnee ran 500 miles; by June of that same year, she could not run at all.
In the first six months of 2016, Patti Greer of Gurnee ran nearly 500 miles, even completing a few 14 mile runs; by June of that same year, she could not run at all.
In November 2016, Patti was diagnosed with ALS.
With ALS, a person’s muscles are attacked, gradually robbing them of the ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe, yet generally keeping their mind intact. Every 90 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies of ALS. There is no known cure, and once diagnosed, patients typically live three to five years.
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As a dedicated Libertyville Running Club (LRC) member, Patti enjoyed group runs, which complimented her karate and dance classes and ice skating outings. Running was a way to keep fit, reach and surpass personal goals and distract Patti from her fast paced life as a wife, mom and nurse practitioner for the Navy.
Running was something Patti could do with her athletic sons – Matthew prefers shorter distances, and Jackson frequently accompanied Patti on LRC runs.
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Recently, Jackson pushed his mom the final mile in the Wisconsin Marathon and he completed the North Shore Half Marathon in her honor in June.
Patti misses running desperately. She misses running with Jackson. But she treasures their new experiences and is always thinking of ways to enjoy their new reality.
On July 11, 2017, Patti and her friends and family will join others at the Les Turner ALS Foundation's Strike Out ALS 5K and 1 Mile Run, Walk & Roll at Guaranteed Rate Field. Starting at the iconic home plate of Comiskey Park and finishing with a lap around the ballpark’s warning track, the event provides an unparalleled experience. After crossing the finish line, participants celebrate at a party in the ChiSox Bar & Grill where the Major League Baseball All-Star Game is shown.
Event day registration opens at 5:30p.m., the 1 mile event kicks off at 6:45p.m. and the 5k will start at 7:00pm. For more information, visit www.Strikeoutals5k.org.
