Last year, the Fighting Irish for Elaine walked in support of Elaine after she was diagnosed with ALS. This year, we return to walk in her memory. 

Elaine lost her battle with ALS in August 2026, only 12 months after her diagnosis. In such a short time, this terribly cruel disease took so much from her and from everyone who loved her. We miss her every day—as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. 

Elaine leaves behind four beloved grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy. We will make sure they grow up knowing how deeply their Nana was loved and how many lives she touched. 

Although Elaine is no longer here to see the progress we hope for, we remain committed to fighting ALS in her name. By supporting the Fighting Irish for Elaine, you are helping ALS United Greater New York provide care and assistance to families living with ALS, advance critical research and advocate for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. 

We walk because we miss Elaine. We walk for the families still facing this disease. And we walk with hope that one day, no family will have to experience a loss like ours. 

About ALS and ALS United Greater New York

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone regardless of age, gender, nationality, or ethnicity, although it is primarily an adult-onset disease. Currently there is no known cause or cure.

Your donation today will help fund resources and services to the local ALS community, help find new ALS treatments, and move us closer to a world without the disease.