Lauren Gross, Walk ALS Coordinator, ALS United Greater Chicago
As we enter our Walk ALS Season, ALS United Greater Chicago is thrilled to announce this year’s theme: In Our United Era! We are united in our fight to raise awareness about ALS, advocate, fundraise, and support those affected by ALS. Whether you are in Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, or Central Illinois, we hope you will take part in this experience.
For those who prefer to participate remotely, Mini-Walks are still an option, allowing you to choose your own location, time, and other preferences. For those who attend in person, we are in our United era, so we will be making Walk ALS events more of an immersive experience rather than just a one-day event.
While we have many things planned, we want to clue you in on one element today: we encourage all participants to make friendship bracelets leading up to the Walk ALS event that signify why you are in the fight against ALS. For example, you can include sayings such as your team name (Mama Sue, For a Cure, In Memory of _), or anything else that is meaningful to you. If you need help creating the bracelets, consider asking your 13-year-old niece for tips and tricks. On Walk Day, we will trade these bracelets with others, creating a sense of community and solidarity.This year’s Walk ALS events are particularly special, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary as an organization. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us, whether it is your first walk or your tenth. We appreciate your support and look forward to entering our United Era.
Event Details are as Follows:
Chicago | Saturday, June 1, 2024
8:00 AM Tent Village Opens
10:00 AM Walk Start
Cantigny Park, Wheaton
walkalschicago.org
Northern Illinois | Sunday, July 14, 2024
8:30 AM Festivities Begin
10:00 AM Walk Start
Joe Parks Athletic Complex, Byron
walkalsnorthernil.org
Peoria | Saturday, September 7, 2024
8:30 AM Festivities Begin
10:00 AM Walk Start
Dozer Park, Peoria
walkalspeoria.org
Champaign | Sunday, September 8, 2024
9:30 AM Festivities Begin
11:00 AM Walk Start
Hessel Park, Champaign
walkalschampaign.org
Meet Some of the Many Faces of Walk ALS
Walk ALS is possible through the hard work of so many amazing individuals that come together to unite against ALS. Take a stroll with us to meet some of the friendly faces that make Walk ALS special!
To join the fun, visit alsunitedchicago.org/get-involved/walkals.
Kendra Albers, Vice President of Development, recently celebrated her 9th anniversary with the organization. Kendra is deeply committed to the Walk Program and the best part of the day for her is standing on the stage looking out upon the crowd.
Walk sponsors and donors support our ALS community year-round through their generous donations. If you’d like to support the Walk ALS program as a sponsor partner, connect with Kendra at kendra@alsunitedchicago.org.
Volunteer Kim Owczarzak joined the volunteer program after her father was diagnosed with ALS in 2017. Since then, she has played an irreplaceable role at Walk ALS Chicago. Kim volunteers her time at the volunteer registration booth and her favorite part about her role is meeting all of the volunteers and hearing their stories on how they are connected to the ALS cause.
Lauren Gross, Walk ALS Coordinator, is one of the newest team members of ALS United Greater Chicago. Her favorite part so far has been talking with all the participants across the regions and hearing why they participate.
Hundreds of Walk ALS participants fundraise, spread awareness, and gather at our Walk ALS events each year! This show of support makes for unforgettable experiences.
Team Captain Tate Albers started his team during the Mini-Walks when he was only nine years old. It began as a fun way for him to give back and has turned into something so much more. He enjoys talking with other participants and raising funds for ALS United Greater Chicago. The nature is breathtaking at Cantigny Park, and he loves taking it all in!