More than 400 advocates, donors and professionals dedicated to research to benefit and to care for people living with ALS, as well as individuals with ALS and their families, raised $600,000 to support the mission and work of the Les Turner ALS Foundation at the Hope Through Caring Gala on Saturday, Feb 18, 2023, at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago.
Eric Ephraim, CEO and president of First Bank Chicago headquartered in Highland Park, accepted the Hope Through Caring Award on behalf of all at his bank who have over many years supported the Les Turner ALS Foundation and continue to do so.
Brian Wallach, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2017, and his wife, Sandra Abrevaya, received the Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award for their sustained advocacy and for securing FDA approval for Relyvrio, a new drug for the treatment of people living with ALS.
A spirit of hope infused all facets of the 35th annual Hope Through Caring Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago as MC Paul Lisnek introduced Andrea Pauls Backman, CEO of the Foundation, and Erin Reardon Cohn, Board chair. In addition to a silent auction, guests generously followed the lead of Jason Lamoreaux, who led a paddle raise and a live auction. After dinner, guests danced to the music of Rush Street Rhythm.
For more information about the Foundation or to make a contribution, please visit LesTurnerALS.org.
