A portion of those funds will be donated to Dr. Hande Ozdinler's lab at Northwestern, where she leads a team of researchers determined to find a cure.
"ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. So, it's very hard to say, but, overall, it means the shutting down of the motor neuron circuitry in the brain and the spiral cord," Dr. Ozdinler explained.
She continued, "Even though it is one disease, it's actually many diseases within the umbrella of one disease. Once we crack open ALS, all others will be much easier to follow."
After losing her brother to a stroke, Dr. Ozdinler wanted to learn more about the brain.
"I'm sure that many of us have lost a loved one to a neurodegenerative disease. And even though they are not here with us, they are always with us, and I know that many of the swimmers at the Chicago River they are touched by ALS, they have a loved one affected by ALS, and it is their spirit that gets us, most likely, to the finish line," said Dr. Ozdinler.
For more information on the Chicago River Swim or ways to donate, visit chicagoriverswim.org.