In late summer of 1999, Gene Gladfelter, a member of the Shiloh UCC congregation, was diagnosed with ALS.  Gene had been an avid biathlete and runner, competing in many local and regional races over the years and his diagnosis came shortly after competing in a 10 mile road race.  In 2001, Gene lost his battle with ALS.  Gene's courage and strength were our motivation for this race.

ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease) is a motor neuron disease with progressive muscular atrophy resulting in severe impairment of mobility, speech, swallowing, and respiratory function.  The mind remains intact and unaffected.  Once thought rare, ALS is now considered fairly common, striking both men and women, generally between the ages of 40 and 75.  Average lifespan, following diagnosis is two to five years.  While recent research has shed light on possible causes of ALS, its cure remains a mystery.  Proceeds from the Gene Gladfelter Memorial Mile will benefit the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association, specifically the ALS Clinic at Penn State's Hershey Medical Center which serves as a multidisciplinary clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of ALS.  To date, our event has raised over $31,000 for ALS.