The first annual Chicago Step Forward walk was held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007 at Moody's Pub on Chicago's North Side. An enthusiastic group of over 80 people, including FSGS patients, their friends and their families, gathered at 9 a.m. before forming a long orange line that stretched all the way from Moody's Pub to Chicago's Lake Front. Once the group got to the lake, they stopped to take in the view and snap pictures with friends and family.

Upon returning to Moody's, everybody enjoyed delicious Moody burgers, fries and onion rings. Many of the walkers stayed at Moody's expansive outdoor garden for several hours and discussed their experience with FSGS and exchanged information to stay in touch after the walk.

Even after the walk, we continue to receive donations. If you know of anybody who would still like to donate, please direct them to the walk site which will continue to accept donations (http://www.active.com/donate/StepForwardIL).  

An enormous THANK YOU goes to MOODY'S PUB, who sponsored the walk--donating its outdoor patio, hamburgers, fries, onion rings and soft drinks. Moody's burgers have been ranked the best in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune and Sun Times, and all of the walkers learned why this is the case after the walk.

"All day," said walker Kevin Flesch. "I could eat these burgers ALL DAY." 

Another giant thank you goes to Vandenberg Medical who --in case of an emergency -- placed an ambulance with two EMTs at Moody's during the entire walk, at no charge. The EMTs -- Brian and Dan -- were (thankfully) not needed, but we are grateful for their presence.  

Further, we greatly appreciate the generosity of the Westin O’Hare who supported the walk through donating two gift certificates for their beautiful hotel rooms. Thank you Westin O'Hare!

A very special thanks goes to the insurance company AON, who matched all donations made by AON employees in support of walkers Fred Flesch and Erin Flesch.

In addition, Starbucks graciously donated free coffee; Einstein's Bagels provided bagels and Dominick's provided bottles of water.

Below are the top fundraising teams and the amounts they gathered. Of note, because donations made via check do not appear on the Web site, it is likely that these walkers raised more than is listed below.

Team Dana Levy: $1,313 +

Team Jesse (led by Martha Ortiz): $1,297 +

Team Therese Flesch: $1,100 +

Team Erin Flesch: $1,001 +

Finally, we're already gearing up for next year.

This year's walk coordinators included Matt Flesch, Dana Levy, Erin Flesch, Mike Flesch, Andrew Flesch and Dennis Klepper. If anybody is interested in helping with next year's walk or other Chicago chapter events, contact Matt Flesch at 708-204-6676 or matt.flesch@edelman.com.