Wauconda sisters to honor mom with tag days

They remember their mom as an energetic, emotionally strong woman who loved her family more than anything in the world.

Sisters Debby Hartwig and Lori Hausherr say their mother, Eleanor Hartwig, was a champion homemaker as she raised her six children.

The Wauconda women have a fundraiser planned in honor of Eleanor, who died from ALS in 2005. She was 80 years old.

"She was all about family and a great cook, too," Hartwig said. "We miss her very much."

Hoping to raise awareness about ALS and honor their mother's life, the sisters have organized a Tag Days Drive set for May 9 and 10. Volunteers will be stationed at Jewel in Wauconda, Dunkin' Donuts in Wauconda and Island Lake, and at the intersection of Route 176 and Main Street in Wauconda. May is ALS Awareness Month.

A regular member at the local health club, Eleanor Hartwig appeared in excellent health until she tripped and fell while running errands.

Noticing weakness in her legs, she was tested by several doctors. The results were conflicting and not conclusive.

"We finally took her to the Mayo Clinic," said Hausherr. "It was there she was diagnosed with ALS. We were stunned by the news and though she didn't suffer for very long, we still experienced firsthand the impact of ALS."

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and impaired speaking, according to the ALS Association.

It eventually causes total paralysis and death. ALS can develop at any age. Ten percent of all ALS cases are genetic and the cause of the remaining 90 percent is unknown. There is currently no prevention or cure.

This is the fourth year the women have held Tag Days. They raised $2,220 last year.

"We're hoping to raise even more this year," Hausherr said.

All money raised goes to the Les Turner ALS Foundation. The Skokie-based organization was started in 1977 and has a mission to provide treatment and the elimination of ALS.

The foundation has a goal or raising more than $100,000 from nearly 50 community drives. The campaign is sponsored by 97.1-FM The Drive, VisoGraphics and Sta-Bil.

For more information about ALS, call (847) 679-3311 or visit lesturnerals.org