Graham Peigh

Latin sophomore Graham Peigh was recently named the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s Junior Volunteer of the Year because of his decade-long commitment to the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“The award recognizes Peigh’s selfless contributions during the past ten years,” the ALS Foundation stated in a press release. Graham will receive the award during the organization’s annual educational meeting on October 7.

Graham and his family began their work on behalf of the ALS Foundation, after his grandmother passed away from the terminal neuromuscular disorder in 1994. Over the years, he has helped his mother, Cindy Fluxgold, organize an annual Tag Days donation drive in Lincoln Park. He also has involved friends from The Latin School in many fundraising and educational activities. In 2005, Graham and a friend sold “Don’t Stop” bracelets, encouraging people to continue the pursuit of a cure for ALS. Through bracelet sales, they were able to raise $3,000 for ALS research and patient service programs. In addition, Graham and his friends volunteer their time at the ALS Walk4Life, which is held every fall.

“Graham is always willing to go above and beyond whether he’s helping at an event, educating others about this disease or fundraising,” said Wendy Abrams, executive director, Les Turner ALS Foundation. “He continually demonstrates maturity, kindness and generosity. He is genuinely interested in making a difference to people affected by ALS.”

Graham is currently helping collect data in a laboratory in the department of cellular and molecular biology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Graham’s position in the laboratory allows him to develop his interest in science, which grew out of his hope that he could in some way, someday, contribute to finding a cure for diseases such as ALS.

“I feel very honored to be the first recipient of the Junior Volunteer of the Year Award,” Graham said. “I fully enjoy the time I spend volunteering, and more than anything, it is a rewarding experience knowing that my efforts, along with the efforts of so many others, help fund research and patient care for those affected by ALS.”

© 2008 The Latin School of Chicago

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