A Grand Slam of Success: 2023 Walk ALS Events Achieve Remarkable Results

Kendra Albers, Vice President of Development, ALS United Illinois

With events held across multiple locations, this year’s Walks to Defeat ALS united communities in a Sunflower Field of Dreams-themed celebration of hope, unity, and support for those affected by ALS. The four Walk ALS events, which took place in Chicago, Byron, Champaign, and Peoria, demonstrated the unwavering commitment of participants, volunteers, and sponsors to the ALS cause.

Chicago Walk ALS – Cantigny Park, Wheaton (June 3rd):

An amazing day in the world of ALS awareness and fundraising happened on Saturday, June 3rd at Cantigny Park. As we work on getting back to our pre-pandemic style events, we were able to bring in many elements of years past which enabled folks to enjoy the event on many different levels. From upgraded music to bounce houses to a raffle and merchandise to multiple photo opportunities, and much more, the event didn’t lack in entertaining the crowd. With support from our presenting sponsor, Constellation, we have reached our goal of raising $550,000 for our ALS community. To be a part of our 2024 event, save the date for Saturday, June 1st at Cantigny Park!

Northern IL Walk ALS – Joe Parks Athletic Complex, Byron (July 9th):

Northern Illinois continues to amaze us with community support and camaraderie. When the pandemic hit, we knew we had to change things up and truly listened to what those living with ALS wanted their event to be a reflection of…words like “community”, “face to face”, “togetherness”, “love”, and more all came directly from them. And we tasked ourselves with creating an event that is not the grandeur of our Chicago event but instead is intimate, welcoming, and full of love. This event not only has many amazing elements, they also crush it when it comes to fundraising…they have also officially crushed their goal — supporting year-round services that will impact many individuals living with ALS throughout Northern Illinois.

Champaign Walk ALS – Hessel Park, Champaign (September 10th):

Champaign embraced the Sunflower Field of Dreams theme with open arms. The event at Hessel Park witnessed an outpouring of support, reinforcing the idea that together, we can achieve great strides in the battle against ALS. Relocating to Hessel Park for 2023, we were greeted by a lovely sunny day and enjoyed spending the time together. It was a pleasure to reunite with old friends and make new friends, all united by our desire to support the fight against ALS.

Peoria Walk ALS – Dozer Park, Peoria (September 16th):

The season culminated in Peoria, where participants gathered at Dozer Park, underscoring the power of unity in the ALS community. The collective efforts of Peoria and its surrounding areas were nothing short of remarkable.

The Sunflower Field of Dreams theme captured the spirit of our ALS community and symbolized the strength, resilience, and hope that define our mission. We are profoundly grateful to all who participated, donated, and supported the 2023 Walk ALS season. Your dedication brings us closer to a world without ALS.

Collectively, hundreds of participants raised over $720,000 to support ALS care services in their local area. Through ALS United Illinois, those facing ALS have access to care plan management, support groups, a medical equipment loan program, and more. The events also raise immeasurable awareness for this disease, garnering support from their networks to work towards creating a world without this fatal disease.

Champaign Walk ALS Team Captain, Cara Beth Hunt, walks in memory of her father, Brad. “ALS has changed my life entirely; it hit us fast and furious. But I also think it brought a lot of light to where we can help other people. I think that my family has a lot to give to the ALS community,” said Cara Beth. Her and her family are committed to spreading awareness so that families across the region are aware of what services are available to them during a battle with ALS. “I think the resources are amazing. I think that the people affected are in a good spot if they know their resources. So that’s what I would like to share with the world, is that they are available.”

While the Walks to Defeat ALS have ended, the fight continues, and opportunities to get involved and support our cause remain open. Funds raised support free care services to more than four hundred individuals living with ALS in our local communities throughout Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and part of Northwest Indiana.

The Kevin Stockwell Award

This award was created in memory of a beloved, long-standing volunteer who was always the first to do whatever ALS United Illinois needed. From volunteering at various events to creating ways to make event day run smoother to being the ultimate Chicago Walk grill master and sign hanger, Kevin did it all.

We were incredibly proud to recognize a gentleman who stepped up when Kevin got sick and continues to fill in to this day. Thank you to Kevin’s widow, Patti, for presenting the first-ever Kevin Stockwell Award to Gerry Wappelhorst.