Thank you for visiting my ALS TDI fundraising page!

On Sunday, March 17th I'm proud to be running the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon in memory of my dad, my Tato - Richard Legeckis on behalf of The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI). My son Jack is also running and raising $$ in memory of his beloved Poppy which makes this extra meaningful for me. 

In 2011 we lost my dad to ALS. What had started out as a hoarseness in his throat and a mild slurred speech turned out to be the bulbar onset form of ALS which affects speech, swallowing and breathing first. For a man who had been healthy his whole life and was known for his gift of speech, love of food and boundless energy this was truly a huge shock. He had always been a vibrant man who loved diving into the waves at the beach, playing piano, working in his garden and could fix just about anything that needed fixing. He was our steadfast rock and our hero.

My Dad and I at an ALS Walk in DC in 2010

Being a man of science my dad was very interested in ALS TDI when he was first diagnosed and spent hours online researching treatments, cures, anything that would give him any semblance of hope in the face of this monster disease. He appreciated the fact that this organization was committed to scientific research and finding the answers to vanquishing what he was facing. 

In 2019 I was fortunate enough to raise money for ALS TDI as a charity runner for the TCS New York City Marathon which was both a grueling and amazing experience. When I discovered that ALS TDI is also a charity partner for the NYC Half I decided I wanted to try again, only this time with my son Jack by my side! The thought of running this race with Jack who was only 10 years old when he lost his Poppy fills me with excitement and emotion. It's almost impossible to put into words. 

Poppy and his three oldest grandchildren (Ella, Justin and Jack) in 2010

In the years since we lost my dad I've encountered many others who have been directly affected by ALS. This has to stop NOW!! Your donations fuel our continuous efforts to advance promising drugs and help END ALS. Please help me by making a donation and thank you from the bottom of my heart!

My dad with me, my mom and my sister in 2007