The ALS TDI Leadership Awards are presented to people who have been nominated by our community in recognition of their exemplary leadership in the ALS space. This year, we have created a new award category to recognize young people who have made an impact in the fight to end ALS.
You can read the descriptions of the awards below and see the past award winners. Nominations for the 2023 Leadership Awards will be collected through September 4th, with winners announced on September 12th.
Nominations can be submitted to marketing@als.net with the subject line “ALS TDI Leadership Award Nomination”.
2023 Leadership Award Descriptions
Alexander Heywood Award
Named in honor of Stephen Heywood's son, Alex Heywood, this new award is presented to a young member of the ALS community who has taken the initiative to make a difference in the fight against ALS. Since losing his father to ALS at a young age, Alex has been involved in continuing his family's effort to support research to end ALS by hosting fundraisers, speaking at events, and sharing his father's story. In the same way, this young person has made an impact by fundraising or raising awareness and has inspired those around them to get involved in supporting research to end ALS. Through their efforts, they have proven that regardless of age, we can achieve amazing things when we donate our time and effort to support a cause that we truly care about.
Fran Delaney Challenge & Respect Award
This award is presented to a member of the ALS community who has shown true leadership by engaging the community to advocate for and accelerate research. Through involvement in fundraising and awareness events, this person demonstrates a unique ability to organize and inspire others to help end ALS. They challenge those around them to join the fight against ALS, and actively spread awareness of the ALS Therapy Development Institute’s work and mission.
Past Winners: Faye Magneson, General Tom Mikolajcik, Dave Virden, Jr., Emily Stoddard, Michael Goldsmith, Tim LaFollette, Thomas Ohlson, Dr. Theresa Stephan Hains, Andy Rubenstein, Deb Quinn, Beth Hebron, The Gosnell Family, Rick Marks, Jeff Swick and PHAALS Foundation, Hugh Macdonnell, Mac and Bailey Brown, Lori Larson Heller
Mary Lou Krauseneck Courage & Love Award
This award is presented to a member of the ALS community who demonstrates unwavering courage and optimism. The recipient of this award selflessly leads by example to uplift and inspire those around them. They believe in the power of positivity and remain committed to finding treatments for ALS. This individual consistently serves as a model of strength, courage, and love in the ALS community.
Past Winners: Amy Whipple, Shannon McLaughlin, Darryl Goss, Robin Dorogusker, Carmen Hoyo, Pam Callahan, Michele Dupree, Carla Zilbersmith, Megan Mishork (posthumously), Reverend Bill Hassel, Jenny Gore Dwyer, Steve & Hope Dezember, Bobby Forster, Rusty Perry, Collin and Emily Hadley, Chris Curtin, Lisa Cross Bonahoom & Jamey Spakes, Patrick Liam Quinn & Katie Bauer, Sandra Marlowe
Stephen Milne Adventurous Spirit Award
This award is presented to a member of the ALS community who strives to find new and innovative ways to fundraise, advocate, and raise awareness for ALS research. The recipient of this award constantly explores bold new approaches to engage others in the fight to end ALS. They are driven by a commitment to excellence in ALS advocacy as they inspire their community to support the mission of the ALS Therapy Development Institute.
Past Winners: Steve Lewis, Dick Sanderson, Brian Stanfield, Jeff Repetto, Mickey Butts, CarolAnn Garratt, Eric Valor, Sharon Isles, Eric Engdahl, Rick Cochran & Roger Petrone, Stephen Finger, Sarah Coglianese & Maureen Ramirez and Team Godfather Charitable Foundation, Smith and Hanses Family, Michael "Boomer" Wallace, Patty Haberstroh, Glynis Murray, Teresa Thurtle, Her ALS Story