The Gala was a smash hit!
With over 400 guests joining in person and virtually, the 37th annual Hope Through Caring Gala was a night to remember. Together, we raised $620,000 and counting to support compassionate ALS care, groundbreaking research, and vital resources for families facing ALS.
The evening featured a powerful performance and reflection by actor and singer Aaron Lazar, who shared his ALS journey through music. WGN-TV host and political analyst Paul M. Lisnek returned as our warm and welcoming emcee.
We were proud to honor Jean Swidler and Mindy Uhrlaub with the Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award, and Brian Davis and Katy McNeil with the Hope Through Caring Award. Katy’s heartfelt tribute to Brian reminded us why this work matters.
The full gala program can be watched at this link, and you can check out all the photos from the night, linked here.
Didn’t get a chance to donate yet? There’s still time to make a difference.
With gratitude to our Hope Through Caring Gala sponsors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors of the 37th annual Hope Through Caring Gala. Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people and families living with ALS.
This unforgettable evening would not have been possible without the commitment of our partners: AbbVie, Paul and Michelle Astolfi, Bartlett Wealth Management, First Bank Chicago, Goldstein, Fluxgold + Baron, The Haarlow Family Foundation, The Sheba Foundation, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Jerry Newton, Northwestern Medicine, Stantec, and David Weinberg.
Together, we are funding the future of ALS care, research, and support—bringing hope to our community when it’s needed most.
Thank you for standing with us in the fight against ALS.
Welcoming new board members, Jonathan Eig and Dan Pompei
The Les Turner ALS Foundation proudly welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors: acclaimed journalist and author Jonathan Eig, and veteran NFL writer Dan Pompei.
Eig has served as an official Foundation spokesperson for over 15 years and is the author of Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig, the definitive biography of the baseball legend. A Pulitzer Prize winner and longtime Chicago resident, Eig brings deep storytelling experience and a personal commitment to ALS awareness.
Pompei, a nationally recognized NFL writer, became closely connected to the Foundation following the ALS diagnoses of his sister-in-law Denise Fitzgerald and Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael. He is one of 50 members on the Pro Football Hall of Fame board of selectors and a long-time voter for Associated Press football awards.
“We’re honored to welcome Jonathan and Dan to our Board,” said CEO Laura Freveletti. “Their personal ties to ALS and ability to reach wide audiences will help us amplify awareness and accelerate our impact for people living with ALS and their families.”
Join us for our next ALS Learning Series webinar, “The ALS Exposome: How Environmental Exposures Inform Disease Risk and Prevention,” featuring Dr. Stephen Goutman from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Goutman will discuss current research on how environmental factors may affect ALS risk and progression. A live Q&A will follow the presentation, offering attendees the opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding.
This webinar is available at no cost thanks to our sponsors: the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation, Biogen, and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America.
Register now to secure your spot.
April Volunteer Spotlight: Curley Hudson
This April, we’re proud to highlight longtime volunteer Curley Hudson, whose dedication to the ALS community shines through in everything he does. From supporting the ALS Walk for Life to helping at past Strike Out ALS events, Curley continues to show up with heart and purpose.
“I volunteer with the Les Turner ALS Foundation because I’m committed to seeing a world free of ALS,” says Curley.
Volunteers like Curley make our work possible. Whether you’re looking to help at events, lend your skills, or raise awareness, there’s a role for everyone.
Click the link to explore volunteer opportunities and get involved.
