Cal's Journey

We are with the Carlson family every step of the way.

In June of 2022, our friend Cal was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The diagnosis has been heartbreaking, both for his family, who’ve had to grapple with the unthinkable news and rethink plans for their future, and for his many friends for whom Cal has been a permanent and steadfast fixture in their lives’ most memorable moments.

His laugh – the unforgettable and one-of-a-kind Cal laugh – is the heartbeat of many well-told stories. These stories span his childhood and high school days with his Ishpeming boys and are woven into countless college memories, and in more recent years, have been found with his family at Pike Lake in enjoying the views, saunas, driving kids on the jet ski, and whenever possible, sitting under the stars and talking with friends.

For all of us, Cal’s ALS diagnosis has changed our perspective on life. It’s made us think harder about what matters most. It’s led to honest conversations about approaching life with more intention and purpose, making time for each other, appreciating our good health, and never letting anything go unsaid.

For Sabina, the phrase ‘Cal’s Journey’ has become her mantra; a way of accepting the unknown and surrendering to what is. She has felt the unwavering love and ‘how can we help’ from friends, colleagues, and the community, and she is excited (and relieved and hopeful) about having a positive and productive way for everyone to channel their support.

Together, we hope Cal’s Journey 5K becomes a meaningful way to support the Carlson family, and we invite all of you to rally around this event and join us.

The revenue generated from this race will directly support the Carlson family. This year, your race registration will be considered a gift to the family and will not be tax-deductible. We are excited and eager to keep everyone informed on when our Cal’s Journey 501c3 charitable organization is up and running, which should be very soon.

The race funds collected will be used at the discretion of the Carlson family. They continue to navigate the journey of living with ALS, and adapting to Cal's changing health and physical abilities. They are also figuring out what they need to ensure Cal is able to safely move around his house and travel to see his kids' various activities, sports and events. Things we often take for granted – going for a walk, taking a shower, stepping outside, going to your kid’s baseball game - are incredibly challenging without proper equipment, wheelchairs, and mobility vans.

This relentless disease has progressed significantly over this past year, and Cal is currently unable to walk or stand unassisted. In the coming months, it's likely he'll need the full assistance of a chair to stay mobile and a specialized van for safely leaving the house and traveling. The focus of our friend group is to raise funds that allow the Carlson family to make those decisions without financial worries getting in the way, and to provide some ease during an incredibly challenging time.

Thank you for joining us in Cal’s Journey. Together, let's run, walk and support the Carlson family this upcoming August 19, 2023, at Al Quaal Recreation Center in Ishpeming, Michigan.