For Ken Trent and his family, those six words—never back down, never give up—have become their motto. His youngest daughter first said them, and now they guide the Trent family through each day.
“ALS takes away your independence,” says Ken. “You grow up, become an adult, and get to do anything you want—and then ALS takes that away from you.”
Ken was diagnosed in December 2021 after noticing muscle twitches in his shoulder. It took months for him to tell his daughters, and even longer to share the news with extended family. “No one wants to hear those three letters,” he says. “Because unfortunately, there’s no cure.”
Today, Ken receives care through the Les Turner ALS Foundation and the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine. His wife, Debbie, and their daughters Madison and Morgan are by his side every step of the way—helping him get out of bed, eat meals, and navigate the day’s challenges.
“Ken always has a smile on and keeps pushing forward,” says Debbie. “I give him credit for that.”
Thanks to donors like you and the community that stands behind them, the Trent family will never have to back down.
“I have an amazing family,” says Ken. “My wife is my rock. My kids have grown so much through this, being caring and supportive. They’re always there to help.”
The Les Turner ALS Foundation has also been there—offering help through Rochelle Walwer on our support services team, support groups, and financial assistance. Their community has stepped up, too, raising funds through softball and basketball fundraisers, the Les Turner ALS Walk for Life, and awareness games at the local high school.
“We’ve always been involved in the community,” says Ken. “And now they’re paying it forward to us.”
This is what hope through caring looks like.
Join us for an unforgettable evening—where we celebrate families like the Trents, raise critical funds for ALS care and research, and stand together to create a world free of ALS.
Get your tickets now, early registration ends March 28.
We’ll see you on Saturday, April 5, at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago!
