I am truly honored to be selected to run the New York City Marathon with Team ALS in order to raise funds that will support individuals and families affected by ALS.  Your donation will help ALS United Greater New York fund resources and services to the local ALS community, help find new treatments, and move us closer to a world without the disease. 

I am raising money and running the marathon in honor of my Uncle, Les Widerynski, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. My uncle is generous, intelligent, caring, inquisitive, and kind. His zest for life, playful jokes, and stories from his adventures around the world leave an indelible mark on everyone who is lucky to know him. He taught me how to play golf, watched countless of my soccer games growing up, and is now inspiring me to run my first marathon. Although, it is difficult to truly follow in his footsteps, as he has completed eight Marathons and 3 Ultra-Marathons in his lifetime. My uncle is a remarkable individual and an extraordinary example of the positive impact someone can have on their family and their community.

This is why running with Team ALS is so important and personal to me. Running for ALS is an opportunity to feel like I am moving the needle on the much needed research funding and attention that is needed for this disease. Please help me move a cure for ALS over the finish line by donating today.

More information about ALS: 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often refered to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. 

• Every ninety minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease, and someone passes away from it.
• 90% of ALS cases occur without any known family history or genetic cause. The remaining 10% of ALS cases are inherited through a mutated gene with a known connection to the disease.
• 55 is the average age of onset with most people who develop ALS between the ages of 40 and 70. However, cases of the disease do occur in people in their twenties and thirties.
• ALS is 20% more common in men than women. However, with increasing age, the incidence of ALS is more equal between men and women.
• Military veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease than the general public for yet unknown reasons.

Please feel free to send this page to any friend or family member who might be interested in donating.