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Community Corner

Tag Days Donation Drives Planned in Skokie in Memory of Men who Battled ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

On May 9 and 10, volunteers wearing yellow aprons and holding collection canisters will be stationed at the intersections throughout Skokie as part of the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s Tag Days drives. Renee Hoff and Lisa Hanley are spearheading this local fundraiser in an effort to support a cause they know all too well. Both women lost their husbands to ALS in 2013, and today they are dedicated to helping the Les Turner ALS Foundation fulfill its mission of raising funds to advance research, provide patients and caregivers with care and support services, and increase awareness and education of ALS. The Skokie Tag Days drive is one of nearly 30 community drives in the Chicagoland area taking place in May. 

 

Since 1994, thousands of volunteers have participated in Tag Days and more than $1.5 million has been raised through this grassroots effort. Tag Days requires only a few supplies and many dedicated volunteers, which enables the Les Turner ALS Foundation to invest a high percentage of proceeds directly into critical services that benefit the ALS community.

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“The Les Turner Foundation was a lifeline for us when Bill and Pat were living with ALS and we feel that planning our first Tag Days drive is a way for us to give back and make a difference,” said Renee. “Our passion for this cause has not waned now that our husbands have passed. The need for funding is still there and we will continue the fight.”

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Bill Fischer’s Story

More than six years ago Bill was experiencing weakness in his arms and upper body. Concerned, he tried to build strength through weight training; however, this approach did not improve his condition. Over several months, Bill saw an internist and ultimately a neurologist at the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center at Northwestern who diagnosed him with ALS. The disease progressed at a steady, slow pace, and although Bill had great difficulty walking, talking and breathing in his final days, his sense of humor and positive spirit remained strong.

 

Pat Hanley’s Story

In 2011, Pat noticed a strange weakness in his body while he and Lisa were riding their motorcycle. As some upper body atrophy started to occur, Pat sought advice from his family physician, but was ultimately diagnosed with ALS at Mayo Clinic. Not long after his diagnosis, he resigned from his position as Skokie Corporation Counsel. Pat regarded the diagnosis as a special chance for him and Lisa to spend more time together. Like so many endeavors in his life, he embraced the chance to make a difference in the ALS community. Pat maintained optimism, a sense of humor and determination to make every day count through the end of his battle.

 

ALS Awareness Month  

May is National ALS Awareness Month, and to honor this milestone, the Les Turner ALS Foundation will oversee the Tag Days drives plus several new initiatives designed to educate the public about the disease. In partnership with ad agency Ogilvy, the Foundation has created a campaign that reinforces ALS is more common than you think. The campaign includes advertisements on CTA buses and in “L” stations; turning the Chicago skyline blue; radio PSAs and a social media contest. The public is encouraged to visit HelpCureALS.org for more information.

 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a terminal neuromuscular disease that attacks a person’s muscles, gradually robbing them of their ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe, yet usually keeping their mind intact. At any given time, approximately 35,000 people in the United States are living with ALS. While treatments and interventions can help alleviate some symptoms and prolong survival, there is currently no prevention or cure for ALS. 

 

Since 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation has been a leader in research, patient care and education about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and other motor neuron diseases (MND). The Foundation serves more than 90 percent of the ALS population in the Chicago area, providing a wide range of services, such as support group meetings and respite grants. The Foundation is affiliated with Northwestern Medicine where it supports two scientific research laboratories and a large multi-disciplinary clinical program.

 

For more information, to see a full list of Tag Days community drives and to volunteer for Tag Days, call 847-679-3311 or visit www.lesturnerals.org.  

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