Aurora couple working to raise $30,000 again for ALS research

For a second year, an Aurora couple is working to raise funds for research to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, called Lou Gehrig's disease.

Bruce Lindgren of Aurora, 58, was diagnosed with ALS in September 2013.

To raise funds for research and treatment, he and his wife Meredith are recruiting walkers and donations for Brucester's Brewsters, a team set to hike in the greater Chicago Walk to Defeat ALS on Saturday, May 30, at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

After registration at 8 a.m., the two-mile walk kicks off at 10 a.m. Goal of the Chicago walk is $650,000.

Brucester's Brewsters' goal is $30,000. Funds raised by May 5 totaled $15,828, including $8,428 to the Lindgrens and $2,100 from Wesley church members.

Bruce Lindgren said, "I can't tell you how much it meant to Meredith and me to have so many of our friends and family participate in last year's walk.

"They helped us to far exceed our expectations in the amount of money raised for the ALS Association of Greater Chicago.

"The outpouring of love and concern were humbling. We were energized by the email notifications and messages from all of the participants on our team," Lindgren said.

Meredith added, "About 115 Wesley church members and friends participated in last year's walk.

"They helped us to raise over $39,000, the largest amount ever raised by a team at the event."

Brucester's Brewsters was the largest team in the 2014 Chicago area walk.

According to Bruce Lindgren, the team's name originated from a small group he started at the church to brew craft beers.

He said, "The only thing we like better than brewing our beer is drinking other craft beers.

"So, this walk is all about fun. What's more fun than being a Brewster?

"The party after the walk at my house will feature several Brewster home brews. Refreshments and a live band are planned," Lindgren said.

After an initial 2014 team goal of $2,500 was quickly surpassed, the goal was raised to $10,000 and then $15,000.

In addition to the walk, the 2015 event will feature music, games and food vendors.

Walkers of all ages are welcome but no dogs or bicycles are allowed in Cantigny.

To donate or walk, call (630) 844-2520, email brucelindgren535@icloud.com or visit webchicago.alsa.org/goto/brucestersbrewsters.