The ALS Association

UPDATE:

Here we are again. 2 weeks and counting…

As they (he) say… Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana…

I didn't think it was possible to have a harder time writing this year's “post”, but I was, yet again when it comes to this topic, wrong. Perhaps that's why it's coming so late; perhaps that's why my training started equally as late. Perhaps…

We are two weeks out. Time did indeed fly, and continues to do so. Time is a funny thing. How we use time to navigate loss, to celebrate life, to honor those we love. This morning I listened to many of the speeches from Dad’s celebration of life. I am, truly, forever grateful that we have that recording, because, damn, they are just – good. In every way. As I wrapped up my “speech” that day, time was the topic (as well as dads get-away hat that lovingly remains on his urn in Joanie’s house), but from a more curious standpoint. I had no idea, and still not really sure I do, how time would help this new normal of life without my Dad. I also attempted to summarize the amazing lessons, i.e. gifts, he gave me, and so many of his family, friends, students, anyone really he came in contact with. He taught us (taught me) to seek understanding – no matter what, to learn, to listen, and to think. He taught me to live life, and THAT – is how time has helped, and will continue to help me navigate this new normal. Because he taught me to live, and to believe, and to love. And so without fail, every damn year, I will run the Brooklyn Half Marathon celebrating him and the many lessons he gave us, and of course, the time we had together. And not just before his passing, but all the times he has shown up for me since.

Last year we raised $5945.00 to support ALS research. I have reopened the fundraising page, late I know, but if you would like to support Mike and I in this race while we run to honor an amazing man, please donate here or give directly to ALS.org in honor of Joseph B. Wagner, Jr.

Everything will 100% go to ALS.

Last note: I am so grateful to Mike Blackford, my cousin and one of Dad’s godsons, for running step by step with me. Wouldn't want it any other way.

ORIGINAL POST: 2024

I knew the chances of him being here on race day were slim. I just didn't think his time would end on December 1st, 2023. My father, who some referred to lovingly as the goat, others as the handyman of all handymen, and some just as the best of the best, was diagnosed with ALS late in life, and he spent the bulk of 2023 relinquishing one thing after another. But he NEVER lost his spirit, and he never lost his humor, and he certainly never lost his love and appreciation for his family and friends. He brought people together throughout his whole life - and somehow continues to do so.

I knew this half marathon would have great meaning for me when I signed up. He was born in Brooklyn, had an immense love for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and not too long ago stood on the streets of Brooklyn cheering me on as I ran my first NYC marathon in 2019. He’s always been there. And always will be.

But this disease is truly one of the cruelest I've known. Watching him go through the stages of ALS was perhaps one of the hardest things I've ever done. And when I would tell him how much I was in awe of the way he handled it, he always said – "but I've lived such a good life”. He continued to reflect on the 1000s of other people with ALS, the ones who were much younger than he, the ones who did not get to live their full lives, or watch their kids grow up. Those were the people he felt the most for -- not himself.

Upon hearing about this race, my cousin Mike, and one of my dad’s Godsons, immediately signed up to run with me. To run for him. And I mean immediately. It wasn't even a question. Mike is a teacher today, largely due to my father. My dad often liked to talk about his own career of teaching, and told Mike at a young age, "teaching is a gift Michael...". Turns out my Dad gave us all quite a few gifts.

So this race has become even more special for me – because we will run in his honor. And we will raise as much as we can for ALS research so that hopefully one day, fewer people have to go through what I witnessed, what my dad experienced. Hopefully one day ALS won't be so cruel. Hopefully one day ALS has a cure.

Please join us in making a difference by donating whatever you can. The money we raise will directly benefit The ALS Association. The ALS Association is a national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. They cover all the bases: patient and community services, research, public education, and patient advocacy. The ALS Association is committed to a comprehensive approach to meet the needs of the ALS community. This includes patients, caregivers, family members, friends, and healthcare workers.

Honoring Kathryn Lea Johnson

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Kathi. After battling ALS, she took her first breath in Heaven on December 2, 2024. In honor of Kathi’s memory, we ask for donations in lieu of flowers. All funds raised will go directly to the ALS Association, supporting individuals battling this devastating disease and providing assistance to their families.

It is our hope that through this effort, we can continue Kathi’s legacy of care and compassion, helping others as she always did.Kathi was a devoted mother, wife, and friend whose kindness, resilience, and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

Kathi was a woman of unwavering strength and boundless love. Whether mentoring others, excelling in her career, or caring for her family, she lived with passion and purpose. Though ALS took her from us too soon, her legacy of love and service will live on .

Kathi touched so many lives with her kindness, strength, and infectious spirit. As we honor her memory, we invite you to share this page along with your favorite story or memory about Kathi. Whether it’s a moment that made you laugh, a time she offered guidance, or simply the way she made you feel special, your words will help keep her spirit alive. Your support, whether through donations or by sharing this page with others who loved her, means the world to our family. Thank you for helping us celebrate Kathi’s incredible life and continue her legacy.

With love and gratitude,

The Johnson Family

My name is Cody Erickson and I am raising money for the ALS Association in honor of my father, Duane Charles Erickson 12/19/51 - 6/14/24, while training for my first Ironman 140.6 in November 2025.

He has always been my inspiration for a life well lived, with a focus on family, good health, and taking control of your own happiness.

A few years back, he was diagnosed with ALS. As a person who LOVED to be outside and to be active, this diagnosis could not have hit any harder.

So while his later years were the ultimate test, mentally and physically, he fought to the very end for those that he loved and the things that he stood for.

All proceeds will be going directly to the ALS Association to help them continue the search for solutions and better ways to cope with this disease, so the individuals affected and their families can have hope for a better future.

Thank you for your donating, sharing, and/or any form of support you are able to provide.

Hi, this is Max's fundraiser site for The ALS Association. I am running the Lisbon Half Marathon in March 2025 in honor of Gary Godfrey, my lifelong friend who has been living with ALS for almost six years. Gary's life philosophy is "Make Today Your Best Day!" and he believes that the only way to really do that is to seek how you can make today better for someone else. I can't think of a better reason for using my running as a platform to raise money for ALS Research and Family Services in Gary's name.

Although my goal for this race is $600, I hope to raise far more than that. ALS is a life-changing, debilitating disease with no known cure. Much more needs to be done in research as well as in support of families who have been affected by ALS. Every generous contribution you make helps with this important work. Thank you, in advance, for your help. 100% of the funds raised will go to The ALS Association.

Hello, my name is Brian Jackson and my stepfather is Terry Hamilton, as shown in the pictures. He was diagnosed with ALS disease and passed away earlier this month. He had a love for the water with a rod and reel in his hand. He chose late in his life near retirement to raise a granddaughter of his. He left behind a lot of family that loved him very much!! Instead of this terrible disease attacking his mobility nerve muscles, it attacked his lung muscles more.

The family and I don’t want to see any family go through what we saw and what he went through. That’s why I’m setting this GoFundMe account to raise awareness of this terrible disease.

Dear friends and family,

I'm sure you all still feel the loss of our beloved Matt. I miss him every day. Matt's brother Tim is speaking at the 2024 Dine to Defeat ALS fundraiser on November 16th. Matt's name and picture will be featured at the event. This inspirational evening is dedicated to raising awareness and defeating ALS. I am honored to be able to attend this event with some of Matt's family. I ask that if you can donate any amount, I will present it to the ALS Association in Matt's name. Matt faced this dreaded disease with such strength and dignity, and I'm sure he would want to help others who are affected.

Thank you for considering donating to this cause,

Amy (Shvodian) Smith, Matt's cousin

Please join us in raising funds for the ALS association on behalf of loving father and husband, Brad Koller. The ALS association aims to discover treatments and a cure for ALS. They serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.

Brad was diagnosed with ALS in 2020. Despite the hardships of the last four years, Brad enjoyed connecting with friends and family and traveling around the midwest with his wife Deb. Brad passed peacefully in his home on August 11th, 2024. He is survived by his wife Deb, daughters Allyson and Rebecca and his siblings Jeff, Pat, Pete, Mike, Kathleen, Andy, Barbara, and Jim.

In June 1998, Joe lost his mom, Helen, to ALS. This debilitating, deadly disease claimed the life of his sister, Helen Ann, in 2014. Though some advancements have been made in treating this disease, there is still no cure. Please help the ALS Association in their efforts to find that cure, and to assist the thousands of families affected by ALS. Thank you!

In honor of Lindy, who was diagnosed with ALS almost 1 year ago, we want to raise funds to support the ALS Association, which has been profoundly helpful throughout Lindy's ALS journey. When it seemed like there was nowhere to turn the ALS Association gave us resources, equipment, and information that gave us so much hope and comfort. On top of that, the ALS Association is one of the leading organizations fueling research to help find a cure for ALS. We chose to do a Go Fund Me so that Lindy could see how many people are out there to help and share her story so that hopefully one day no one will have to suffer from an ALS diagnosis. 

More information about The ALS Association National Office: Your gift will help The ALS Association support research to find a cure for ALS and provide much-needed services to patients and their families. By becoming a part of The ALS Association family and making your gift today, you will help sustain hope in thousands of people affected by ALS. Our mission is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.

Starting October 2021, Gym Bungerz is donating $1/month for every member member of the gym. The official count as of October 31st was 71 members. That means $71 to the ALS Association, that's awesome! But since it's the first month we are doing this it only seems right to make a big deal about it.

 

To do exactly that, I will a do burpee for every dollar that we can raise for the ALS Association through this page. The current total is 71 burpees. The Fundraiser closes Monday 11/22 at 5pm and the burpees will happen that Tuesday. How many burpees can you make me do?

 

100% of the money will go to benefit The ALS Association National Office, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about The ALS Association National Office: Your gift will help The ALS Association support research to find a cure for ALS and provide much-needed services to patients and their families. By becoming a part of The ALS Association family and making your gift today, you will help sustain hope in thousands of people affected by ALS.

Our mission is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.

 

Thank you Gym Bungerz!