Walk for Life raises $600,000 to fight ALS

Matty Beuke, 27, of River North, center, was diagnosed with ALS three months ago. His mother Re Beuke (next to Matty, hand on shoulder), of Hinsdale and friends organized a fundraising team in his honor.

At the start line, Wendy Abrams of Highland Park, retired director of the Les Turner ALS Foundation, right, holding up ALS t-shirt, is among walkers seconds before starting the walk.

Steve Jacobson of Evanston, whose brother Dick Jacobson of Western Springs died from ALS, from left, Mary Roemer of Deerfield and Dick's wife Kristen Jacobson of Western Springs

Andrea Pauls Backman of Glenview, executive director of the Les Turner ALS Foundation, from left, Phil Schwarz of ABC7 Chicago, Tracy Butler of ABC7 Chicago and Deborah Crockett of Chicago

Matty Beuke, 27, of River North, was diagnosed with ALS three months ago. His mother, Re Beuke of Hinsdale and friends organized a fundraising team in honor of Matty.

Dina Peso of Western Springs, from left, Barbara Budicak, Re Beuke, Beth Lee and Sandi Rocco, all of Hinsdale and all fundraising team supporters who walked in honor of Matty Beuke, 27, of River North, who was diagnosed with ALS three months ago

Yolanda Hill of Park Forest, left, with Frankie Harris of Chicago who walked in memory of Erica Harris of Chicago, who died last October from ALS