On Saturday, September 17, the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of The ALS Association hosted its 2016 State Capitol Walk to Defeat ALS®. Tonkon Torp attorney Rocky Dallum led a highly successful fundraising effort for his family’s team, “Mike’s Meanderers.” The team is inspired by Rocky’s mom, Ilene “Mike” Dallum, who lost her battle with ALS in 1999. Mike’s Meanderers raised $12,890, including many donations by individual Tonkon Torp attorneys as well as a corporate sponsorship by the firm. 
The contribution from Mike’s Meanderers helped the State Capitol Walk to surpass its goal of $40,000, raising over $64,000 to support The ALS Association’s mission. Rocky’s personal efforts totaled $8,635, and helped the firm reach the fourth slot in the Corporate Effort category of the Walk to Defeat ALS®. The Corporate Effort exceeded its $100,000 goal and as of mid-October, was at $105,000.
ALS, also known as, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that slowly robs a person of their ability to walk, speak, swallow and, eventually breathe. At this time, there is no cure and no known cause.
The ALS Association leads the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. Since its inception in 2002, the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of The ALS Association is the central source for services and education for people living with ALS, their families, caregivers, and health care professionals in all of Oregon and the six counties of Southwest Washington.
