Support Julie's Journey with ALS

This past August, after months of struggling with what had always been a mindless and effortless activity—walking—my mother was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Something so simple and automatic for most of us became increasingly difficult for her, requiring immense focus just to take each step. As a mother of five and a devoted nursery school teacher, my mom has always been on the move, never one to sit still. This sudden change in her gait made daily tasks a constant challenge. After countless tests to uncover the cause of her symptoms, we finally received the devastating diagnosis of ALS—a disease that has since transformed her life and mine.

ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. The life expectancy for someone with ALS averages just 2 to 5 years from diagnosis. While ALS can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or ethnicity, it primarily strikes adults. Currently, there is no known cause or cure.

Hearing my mom’s diagnosis left me utterly shocked and heartbroken. The realization that there was no cure—no way to intervene, halt the disease, or save the person I love most—was crushing. This sense of helplessness haunts me and keeps me up at night. I had to find a way to help, however I could.

Though it has only been a few months since the diagnosis, its profound impact has permeated my family and friends. As difficult as it is to accept, I know that my mom will soon need medical aid and resources that neither I nor anyone else in my family can provide single handedly.

This is why I have decided to run the Brooklyn Half Marathon—in honor of my mom, who can no longer do so herself. Alongside my closest friends, I will raise funds for her journey and promote awareness for Compassionate Care ALS— an organization that improves the quality of life for ALS patients and their families. While the future for my mom and our family remains uncertain, one thing is clear—her strength is unwavering. Since the day of her diagnosis, my mom began her fight with grace and her positive attitude continues to inspire us all. I am raising money to help her in this battle, as well as others who are facing the same challenge, but really she is our true hero.

Your contribution will have an immediate impact on my Mom’s battle. My goal is to raise funds for a crucial resource, an elevator, to support my mom's mobility and independence in her own home. Whether you donate $5 or $500, your support is helpful and appreciated.

Consider supporting my mom’s journey as well as all of us within the community to help achieve our goal. Thank you for being a part of Julie’s Joggers.

Sincerely,

Maggie Toal

Big shoutout to the rest of Julie’s Joggers:

Michael McAllister

Sam Morello

Christina Marks

Lexi Fernandez

Caroline Kerr

Julia Dawson

*If anyone else would like to join in running, please email me.

Included below is the link to contribute directly to Compassionate Care ALS. Every dollar brings us closer to new treatments and a potential cure for ALS, and it will help make a difference for those living with ALS in our local community.

https://ccals.org/donate/?donateto=14338