Kids & Family

Resident Running for a Cure for Lou Gehrig's Disease

Paul Krauter, of Elmhurst, will run in the Les Turner ALS Foundation's Run for ALS on Dec. 7 in honor of his cousin Tom Verachtert, of Palatine.

Submitted by the Les Turner ALS Foundation

Paul Krauter, of Elmhurst, has watched his cousin, Tom Verachtert, of Palatine, gradually lose abilities that we often take for granted, such as walking, talking and eating, since being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in April 2009.

As a way to honor his cousin and raise funds for the cause, Paul is running a series of three long distance races as part of the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s Run For ALS program. Paul completed the Advocate Dryer Fox Valley Marathon in September, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October and is preparing for the North Face Endurance Challenge in California on Dec. 7. As a participant in the Run For ALS program, Paul is fundraising for the Les Turner Foundation and to date has collected more than $2,000.

Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Nearly two years ago, I read Running on Empty by ultra-marathoner Marshall Ulrich, which inspired me to take up running and pursue long distance races," said Paul. "I had never run more than a few miles, but I trained for and completed the Fox Valley Marathon last year. As I increased my mileage I found I really enjoyed the solitude of running and I’m able to use the time to think and decompress."

After finishing his first marathon, Paul committed to run the Fox Valley race in 2013, and when he learned of the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s Run For ALS program he joined the team and expanded his commitment from one race to three.

Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Run For ALS program helps runners prepare for races and assists them with fundraising efforts.  Paul’s final race in this series, the North Face Endurance Challenge, features drastic elevation changes along a 50 mile course of dirt trails and portions of track overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

"This undertaking has certainly been a challenge for me, but my cousin serves as a strong inspiration for both the running and fundraising aspects of my effort," said Paul. "When I consider his daily struggles, I know how fortunate I am to have my health and I’m reassured I can do this. I want to run for those who can’t and speak for those who aren’t able to."

Tom’s Story

In 2009, while doing chores around his St. Louis home, Tom began noticing stiffness in his hands and twitching in his arms. Concerned these symptoms could be more than just everyday aches and pains, he sought advice from his primary care physician. After conducting several exams and tests, his physician suspected Tom might have ALS and referred him to a neurologist, who sent him to another specialist who eventually confirmed he had ALS.

Tom and his wife, Dawn, were unsure of what the future would hold. Shortly after being diagnosed, Tom secured a full-time job in new business development. However, his health began to decline and he was forced to retire at age 44.

Dawn needed assistance with the caregiving responsibilities, so the couple moved to Palatine where they are close to family.

Today, nearly four years after his diagnosis, Tom is dependent upon a wheelchair for mobility, is no longer able to handle daily tasks such as bathing and driving, and relies upon technology to communicate.

With two advanced degrees and a thirst for intellectual stimulation, Tom spends much of his time playing chess, listening to lectures and reading on the computer. In addition, he treasures time with his two children, friends and relatives who help him keep a positive outlook on life.

"We were surprised and humbled by Paul’s desire to run and fundraise in my honor," Tom said. "What he is doing is remarkable, and we’re proud that he is supporting the Les Turner Foundation and the ALS community, both of which we have grown to rely on for support, guidance and services."    

Paul told Patch his goal is to get donations for the Les Turner Foundation. If you'd like to help, visit Paul's page at www.Run4ALS.org.

"While most folks are probably familiar the with name ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, I don't think they really understand it," said Paul. "The fact that there is not one medication to even slow it down and the cruel nature of how the disease progresses is staggering. Those suffering from ALS and their amazing caregivers, like Tom and his wife, Dawn, are the real story."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here