Wilmette Couple to Honor Loved One at 12th Annual Les Turner ALS Walk4Life

In late 2000, when Monica Quinn Barton started dragging one foot, she attributed the issue to her rheumatoid arthritis. And when she began experiencing difficulty with her speech she was told that her speech issues were a result of straining her voice in noisy places. A speech therapist gave her exercises to strengthen her voice, but the problems persisted and swallowing gradually became difficult. Eventually Monica moved to a nearly all liquid diet and sought additional medical advice. In July of 2002, she underwent numerous tests and was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Quickly, Monica lost her ability to speak, eat and walk. She courageously battled ALS until Christmas time of 2004, dying at the age of 72. Monica’s brother Bob and sister-in-law Jeanie of Wilmette were sources of support during the course of her disease and have honored her memory for the past 10 years at the Les Turner ALS Walk4Life. This year, on September 22, the couple will walk again in Monica’s honor at the annual ALS Walk4Life in Chicago.

The Quinns will join nearly 6,000 people at Soldier Field for the ALS Walk4Life. As one of the largest gatherings of the ALS community, the ALS Walk4Life is a celebration of hope, courage and caring. The event will be hosted by meteorologist Phil Schwarz of ABC7 and Kathy Hart of The Mix 101.9FM and will feature a 2 mile walk along Chicago’s lakefront and through Soldier Field, as well as music, entertainment, food and children’s activities.

Most people walk and fundraise in teams honoring the lives and legacies of their loved ones who have been affected by ALS. The Quinns call their team of two, “For Monica,” and are actively fundraising for the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Through their efforts during the past 10 years, they have raised nearly $37,000.

“This is the least we can do. If someone can be helped by our efforts, then it’s worth it,” said Bob. “Being a part of the ALS Walk4Life every year not only honors Monica’s memory but it also presents our family with an opportunity to support a cause that is important to us.”

Despite her illness, Monica maintained a positive and upbeat attitude. Even as her body deteriorated and she lay nearly paralyzed, Monica wanted to enjoy life and engage with her seven children and their families. Just months before her passing, Monica and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a big party. 

“We are grateful to families such as the Quinns for their longtime, continued support of the ALS Walk4Life and often hear from patients and families that they look forward to this event each year,” said Wendy Abrams, executive director of the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

ALS Walk4Life

In its 11-year history, the ALS Walk4Life has collectively raised nearly $8 million. Individuals are provided with fundraising tools to help them plan letter writing campaigns, host special events and secure support from local businesses.

Approximately 250 teams are expected to participate in the ALS Walk4Life; some teams are as large as 200 people, others like the Quinns’ team are as close knit as a few. The event draws people from throughout the country, all of whom have teamed up for the fight against ALS.  

While there is no registration fee, the Les Turner ALS Foundation encourages participants to raise a minimum of $100, and those who reach or surpass this goal will receive an ALS Walk4Life T-shirt. Registration will open at 9:30 a.m. and ALS Walk4Life Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:40 a.m. The walk will start at 11:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to pre-register at www.alswalk4life.org.   

This year’s ALS Walk4Life sponsors include: ABC7 Chicago, The MIX 101.9FM, Abt, American Chartered Bank, B&B Catering, Blick Art Materials, Comcast, Corner Bakery, The Private Bank, Stabil and US Foods.

ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly 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. Currently there is no cure. 

Les Turner ALS Foundation

Founded in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is one of the nation’s preeminent organizations dedicated to the treatment and elimination of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  The Foundation is affiliated with Northwestern Medicine where it funds two research laboratories and a multi-disciplinary clinical program. The Foundation’s patient services include, support group meetings, professional in-home consultation services, communications and durable medical equipment programs, respite care grants, and educational activities. The Foundation serves approximately 90 percent of the ALS population in the Chicago area.

For more information, call 847-679-3311 or visit www.lesturnerals.org.