Jim Thew joined the Navy in 1991 and was stationed as an aircraft mechanic at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Ayase, Kanagawa, Japan, where he met his wife, Kumiko. In 1999, they moved to Illinois to take care of …
Faces of ALS: Raising his voice in advocacy for ALS
Rob Faulstich’s advocacy journey began when his sister-in-law, Diane Costello, was diagnosed with ALS in late 2018. “Prior to Diane’s diagnosis, she had difficulty walking and was tripping frequently going up stairs and curbs,” says Rob. “When she sought treatment …
Faces of ALS: Finding new joy following an ALS diagnosis
Tony Caruso was a busy OB-GYN who delivered hundreds of babies each year. So, it was no surprise when he began to notice symptoms of what he assumed was carpal tunnel syndrome. “I had these symptoms on and off for …
Faces of ALS: Channeling Mom’s Positivity in the Face of Familial ALS
As a healthcare worker, Tina cared for people diagnosed with ALS, including her mother. Prior to her mom’s passing in 2018, Tina started to experience symptoms that were eerily familiar. “Towards the end of my mother’s battle with ALS, I began …
Faces of ALS: Tackling Those Miles for Mitch
Marathon runners choose to run for a variety of reasons. Some love to run, enjoy the challenge, or want to cross off an item on their bucket list. Others are running for something – or someone – beyond themselves. Nathan …
Faces of ALS: Michelle Gutierrez — Batting Against ALS
Michelle has been a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan. But when she went to a Sox game in June, she saw something that left her in disbelief. Prior to her ALS diagnosis, Michelle and her longtime partner Sue led an …
Faces of ALS: Renato
For Renato, despite having been a successful business owner and a politician, his family came first – even after his ALS diagnosis. Caring for his family and specifically his wife was his top priority. As many of us know, being …
Faces of ALS: Frank Granata
Faces of ALS: Frank Granata – Staying active and enjoying life As a finance executive, Frank Granata often traveled for business. In 2018, after having lived in India for two years for a work assignment, Frank began having neurological issues …
Faces of ALS: Erin Reardon Cohn
We’re thrilled to welcome Erin Reardon Cohn, Executive Vice President of First Bank Chicago, to her new role as chair of the board of directors. Erin joined the board in 2019 and served as the Foundation’s treasurer for the last …
Faces of ALS: Eloise Nilges
A Lasting Legacy of Love, Faith, and Adventure Recently, Terri experienced her first Mother’s Day without her mom, Eloise. In this month’s “Faces of ALS,” we learn more about Eloise’s journey with ALS and how Terri continues to honor her …
