The Les Turner ALS Foundation will bring together Chicago’s top minds in ALS research and care, business, academics, philanthropy, and most importantly, people living with ALS, for one of the city’s most elegant and most prestigious black-tie optional events of the year. During this event, the Hope Through Caring Award and the Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award will be presented to an outstanding organization and two individuals who have made a significant impact and difference in the ALS space and community.

The Hope Through Caring Award will be presented to First Bank Chicago. As one of the top five privately held banks in Chicagoland, First Bank Chicago has been focused on the community and meeting the needs of their neighbors for over 65 years.

The Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS award will be presented to Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya who have been among the driving forces behind many of the most important developments in ALS advocacy. Brian and Sandra played a major public role in demanding action from the FDA for approval of AMX0035 (Relyvrio). Brian helped write and secure sponsors for the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, or ACT for ALS, which provides significant funding for ALS research and expanded access to promising investigational treatments for people living with ALS. President Biden signed the ACT for ALS into law on Dec. 23, 2021.

We hope that you will join us in honoring these amazing individuals and celebrating with the ALS community. If you are unable to attend, a virtual option will be available with a link to view the program.

Contact Kim Kempf for more information.