Local Firefighter Featured in ‘Many Faces of ALS’

The story of Western Springs firefighter, resident and dad Dick Jacobson is now being used in national fundraising efforts by the ALS Therapy Alliance per their current partnership with CVS Pharmacy’s Advancing Medical Research fundraising drive. A profile of Jacobson began appearing last week in the organization’s “Many Faces of ALS” campaign.

Jacobsen , also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, since being diagnosed in September 2011. He continues to work with the Western Springs Fire Department in a desk role, and recently organized Western Springs’ first-ever “Tag Day” fundraiser to support ALS research.

“When we see someone like Dick doing local community fundraisers, working in the community as a firefighter, we see that brave, courageous face getting out there raising awareness and funds that are just critical for us right now,” said Maureen O’Connell, a spokesperson for the ALS Therapy Alliance.

“He’s just been so courageous. He’s giving a lot of people hope, and he’s been very active in his community, and we need everybody that we can to raise awareness and funds for this disease. It’s an important cause.”

Through June 30, the ALS Therapy Alliance is partnered with CVS Pharmacy’s Advancing Medical Research campaign, with donations being accepted at the pharmacy’s over 7,000 locations nationwide as well as online at the CVS website.

“That’s what this disease needs: a lot of research money,” said Jacobson, who has significant difficulty walking these days and has recently stopped his work as a project manager, but will soon be able to resume driving with a new specially adapted car. “It’s a very complex disease, and there are a lot of things that are unknown about it.”