Leadership Awards
Alexander Heywood Award
Named in honor of Stephen Heywood's son this 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 ALS research by hosting fundraisers, speaking at events, and sharing his father's story. In the same
way, this award honors a young person who has made an impact by fundraising or raising awareness and inspiring those around them to
get involved. 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 we truly care about.
Past Winners: Clara & Ellie Wetzel and Brady & Brooklyn Yozwiak, Molly and Carson Wheeler, Lincoln and Will Bennett
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, Mandi Bailey, The Hopkins Family, Mindy Uhrlaub
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, Lorri Carey,
Della Larsen, Gary and Carol Godfrey & Katie DeGregorio Silvestri
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, Brooke Eby
and Juan & Meg Reyes, John and Tracy Schinharl, Timm Fenton
Augie Nieto Legacy Award
Named in honor of Augie Nieto, this award recognizes individuals and organizations who, like Augie, are committed to creating a lasting
impact in the fight against ALS. A business pioneer and visionary, Augie dedicated the 18 years he lived with ALS to building a legacy
that will one day bring an end to this disease. Through his leadership, he raised more than $200 million to advance the work at ALS TDI
and ensured that future generations would face a world with effective treatments for ALS. This award is presented to those who follow in
Augie’s footsteps, creating a long-lasting impact on the future of this disease.—whether through fundraising, collaboration, awareness,
or innovation.
Past Winners: Louis Del Re
Stephen Heywood Patients Today Award
This award is presented to a person with ALS who has been an exemplary community advocate for ALS research and awareness. They are
knowledgeable of current research, willing to inform the community about research trends and advancements, and eager to serve as an
educator for those unfamiliar with ALS. They challenge ALS researchers to remain firmly planted within the ALS community and focus
on people with ALS today, in the hope of accelerating treatments and cures as quickly as possible. This person is a role model for
people with ALS, encouraging them to find the strength and determination to fight this disease through research every day.
Past Winners: Joe Shambo, Matt Dowd, Jon Blais, Scott Stafne, Ken Patterson, Corey Reich, Steve Saling, Frank Provost,
Peter Frates & Rob Tison (posthumously), Kevin Swan, Anthony Carbajal, Pat Quinn, Matt Bellina & Jay Smith, Andrea Lytle Peet, Osiel and
Bella Mendoza, Cory Burell, Brian Wallach, Phil Green and Sandy Morris, David & Scott Lloyd and Rahul Desikan M.D., Ph.D., Rebecca Mourey,
Pat Dolan & Dr. Mike Ibarra, Lynn Brielmaier, Janie Gobeli