[BobbyB]

Friends step up to support man's battle with ALS

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By David Heitz, staff writer
Bartlett Press
Wed Aug 01, 2007, 10:04 AM CDT


Bartlett, IL -
In spite of a debilitating disease that has left him in a wheelchair, Ralph Russo’s spirit remains strong.

Russo refuses to slow down, and his will to get the word out about Lou Gehrig’s disease has never been stronger.

“I feel that I am living with this disease, versus dying from it,” Russo said.

Russo, 56, of Bartlett, has been battling symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis for more than four years.

He said it is the support of his family and friends that has given him the strength to continue the fight, and to raise awareness about ALS.

“I am very open about my condition because I want to raise awareness of this debilitating illness,” Russo said. “I’m not keeping it a secret.”

To support Russo, and to raise money to find a cure for ALS, his family and friends have organized the Reaching Out Around Ralph (ROAR) ALS Charity Golf Classic, Monday, Aug. 13 at the Itasca Country Club. The outing will benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation. The event is sold out.




More than 130 participants have registered for the golf tournament, including many of Russo’s longtime friends, even one who is coming all the way from Europe for the event, said Fred O’Kasick, co-chairman of the ROAR ALS Charity Golf Classic.

“Many of Ralph’s longtime friends are willing to do everything possible to help raise funds to fight the disease that is debilitating our dear friend,” O’Kasick said. “We’ve seen him progressively lose his physical strength, and we’ve marveled at the way he maintains a positive spirit and sense of humor. He’s an inspiration to all of us.”

Russo is married with three children and one grandchild. Before his diagnosis, he worked as president and chief executive officer of Sara Lee Coffee and Tea. While he began showing symptoms of ALS as far back as 2001, he was not officially diagnosed with the disease until January 2006.

In August 2006, as the volunteer marketing director of the PGA Golf Championship at Medinah Country Club, Russo was the driving force behind a fundraising breakfast that benefited the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

Russo said he was very thankful that so many people have supported him with this event, which he hopes will become an annual fundraiser.

“I’d like to see it be held until we find a cure,” Russo said. “Then after that, I want it to be held one more time so we can have a big party to celebrate the cure of this disease.”


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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and impaired speaking, swallowing and breathing, often leading to paralysis and eventually death, according to the Les Turner ALS Foundation. While a prognosis for ALS can vary, patients usually succumb to the illness within five years after the onset of symptoms. Currently, there is no cure.