CHICAGO (WLS) — The 2025 ALS Walk for Life will include a special message from Pope Leo.
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The walk is on Saturday at Soldier Field. The event raises money for care and research in the fight against the disease.
This year, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is supporting the Pope’s friend, a retired area priest who is living with ALS.
Father Jim Halstead is several years along in his journey of living with the neurodegenerative disorder.
He served in priesthood for 49 years and taught in the religious studies department at DePaul for 40 years.
He’s celebrated countless masses and officiated hundreds of marriages and funerals, experiencing with people the full spectrum of life.
Fortunately for Father Jim, he’s spent a life creating community.
He forged a relationship many decades ago with Father Bob Prevost, now known as Pope Leo.
Both were members of the Augustinian Order.
Halstead reached out to Pope Leo via email in July. He asked if the Pope would share a message at the Les Turner ALS Walk for Life.
“I said, ‘It’s your speech, though, so you got to say what you want to say.’ He changed two words, very subtle, I must say. And then he read it, and that’s how it happened,” Halstead said.
The message is about 5-and-a-half minutes long.
Michelle Shaker, a clinical social worker with the Les Turner ALS Foundation, helps support Father Jim says the Pope’s message is one of hope and community.
“It’s a time for everybody to come together, to have the same mindset. You know, this is a group of people that are often in their homes and to get people out and smile. It’s actually a really joyous day,” Shaker said.
“After the craziness that we live most of our lives in right now in this country, to see that much goodness and that much care? On a Saturday? It moves me greatly,” Halstead said.
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