2026 Hope Through Caring Gala

The Les Turner ALS Foundation will bring together Chicago's top minds in ALS research and care, business, academics, philanthropy, and most importantly, people living with ALS, for one of the city's most elegant and most prestigious black-tie optional events of the year: the 38th annual Hope Through Caring Gala, at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Saturday, April 11, 2026. There will also be a virtual option available with a link to view the program.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
221 N Columbus Drive, Chicago

6:00 PM | Cocktail Reception
7:15 PM | Dinner, Program, Fund the Need and Live Auction
9:30 PM | Dancing 
11:00 PM | Event Concludes

Black tie optional
Guests are encouraged to "Wear a Touch of Blue"

Valet and garage parking available at the hotel

For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS.

CHAMPION FOR A CURE

Anonymous in honor of the McGivern Family

AMBASSADOR FOR HOPE

Haarlow Family Charitable Foundation

ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE PARTNER

Lori & Brian Andre

Michelle & Paul Astolfi

Anonymous

Bartlett Wealth Management

Rich & Joyce Hirsch

The Glad Family & Houlihan Lokey

Benagh & Josh Newsome

David Weinberg and Jerry Newton

Stantec

FRIEND

Canning Thoracic Institute

Draper & Kramer

Jonathan Eig

Sean Fallon

Gilbert & Jacqueline R. Fern Foundation

First Chicago Bank

Dr. John M. Coleman III & James R. Flamm

Cindy Fluxgold

Bonny & Harvey Gaffen

Lieba Goldman

The Hardy Family in honor of John Coleman

Dr. Scott & Denise Heller

Melissa & Ken Hoffman

Integrated Respiratory/Lightways Hospice

Dimitri Krainc, MD, NU Feinberg School of Medicine, Neurology

Christine LaPaille

The McGivern Family

Katy McNeil

Peter Monahan

Dean Eric Neilson

NuMotion

Sarvesh Soi

The Schulman Family in honor of John Coleman

Our Honorees 

Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award 

John M. Coleman III, MD

Dr. Coleman is a distinguished pulmonary & critical care specialist at our Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine. 

Raised on the southside of Chicago, his first exposure to medicine was his grandfather, Dr. John "Jack" M. Coleman. He saw firsthand the impact of kindness and compassion in medicine. This continues to serve his mission of treating all his patients as he would treat his own family. 

Dr. Coleman follows this motto beyond just his care for ALS patients, but has carried this in his service to the Les Turner ALS Foundation. He serves on the board of directors and is the chair of the support services committee, ensuring that the Foundation's services are responsive to the needs, priorities and values of the ALS community.  

Hope Through Caring Award

Brian and Lori Andre

When Brian was diagnosed with ALS in 2016, he and Lori became fierce advocates for the entire ALS community, from organizing ALS groups to raising money for expanded access programs. 

As the longtime owners of Lori's Shoes, with four locations across the Chicago area, Brian and Lori have brought unparalleled drive, skills, and commitment - and a sense of style - to the fight against ALS. 

After a decade of living with ALS, they continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness, engage their networks, and recruit new advocates to ensure that patients and caregivers have a voice in the future of ALS care.  

 Event Emcee

We are excited to welcome back as our emcee for the evening

Paul M. Lisnek, J.D., Ph.D. 

Paul Lisnek is a multi-Emmy Award winning television host and analyst. Paul has been the political and legal analyst for WGN-TV since 2008, appearing on all the station's  # 1 rated newscasts discussing political and legal issues of the day. He is the host of WGN-TV Political Report seen every Sunday morning at 9am, on which he interviews the leading political figures in the city, state and country. Paul has interviewed presidents, governors, senators, congressmen, state representatives and mayors too numerous to count over the last 35+ years.

Paul can also be heard and seen on wgnradio.com and the new WGN+ app, where he hosts a podcast called "Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain," which covers the theater arts and politics. He is also a fill-in host on WGN Radio.

Paul's Emmys include recognition of his specials include on the Holocaust Museum and Education Center, "Footsteps of Lincoln" and "Day of Honor," a special on the Honor Flite Chicago program for World War II veterans. Paul also did special coverage of the Les Turner Walk for ALS on Comcast Newsmakers for several years.

Paul is the author of fifteen books including "Assume Guilt," and "Assume Treason" (the 2022 Finalist for Best Mystery/Fiction by Indie Books) and "Winning the Mind Game" among others.

The Museum of Broadcast Communication in Chicago is home to the Paul M. Lisnek Gallery, which features a permanent exhibit detailing and honoring Paul's long career in television and radio.

In 2023, the Chicago City Council proclaimed June 19th as "Paul Lisnek Day" in the City of Chicago.

About the Les Turner ALS Foundation

Founded in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is Chicagoland's leader in comprehensive ALS care and one of the longest-serving ALS groups in the country.

Throughout our history, we have taken an individualized approach to ensure each person living with the disease receives the best quality of care and access to the most promising therapies. We treat each person like family, supporting them every step of the way, and provide their loved ones with answers and encouragement.

Our Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine is led by the most well-respected and successful clinicians and researchers in the field, advancing vital care and research in pursuit of life-enhancing treatments and a cure.

About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that weakens the muscles we use to move, swallow and breathe. It can, in some cases, also cause changes in behavior and thinking. The effects of ALS grow more severe over time and eventually become fatal. The symptoms and progression of ALS may vary greatly from person to person, which can make the disease difficult to diagnose, manage, and treat.

There is no cure for ALS yet. But the pace of research has significantly increased in recent years, and organizations like the Les Turner ALS Foundation are ready to provide help and support to people living with ALS, caregivers, and everyone affected by the disease.