1999

The dream to create an annual live music ALS benefit began in 1999, shortly after Madison Scouts Alum Steve Weekes was diagnosed with ALS. Steve was in the waiting room of an ALS clinic, accompanied by siblings, Monica and John Weekes, when the idea came to him. Steve immediately began plans for the benefit, and quickly engaged the support of the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps and local friends and musicians. Steve was the long-time drummer for "Wall of Sound," and although Steve could no longer perform, the group eagerly performed their brass-inspired music at the first innagural Rockin For A Cure.

The Early Years

During the early years of the benefit, Steve selected the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southeastern Wisconsin to sponsor and organize the event. The first benefits started off small, but provided much-needed emotional support for Steve and the family. In fact, it was the presence of many alumni of the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps that lifted his spirits and supported his family. During the early years, it quickly became tradition for an ensemble of Madison Scouts brass players to perform "You'll Never Walk Alone" at these fundraisers.

Stewardship by Madison Scouts Alumni

In 2004, the founder, Steve Weekes, brought a significant change to the organization by entrusting the mission to alumni of the Madison Scouts. Steve asked Scouts Alum, Mike Anello to lead the effort, and was joined by other alumni of the Scouts, including Glenn Moralez, Steve Moralez, Frank Gonzales, Tim Spilde, and non-alumn Dave Peters. The new leadership brought the passion and class of the Madison Scouts to the event and led to development of a new logo shown at the left. The fundraiser in April, 2005 was tremendous, but heartbreaking, as Steve lost the battle with ALS earlier in January at the age of 44.

Partner & Philosphy

From the beginning, the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps has been our partner in this fight, helping advance the mission of the organization through the endorsement and promotion of fundraising events and donating silent auction items. The Scouts have a large following of passionate supporters, numbering in the tens of thousands, and provides Rockin4ALS a large platform for outreach.

Each year at Rockin For A Cure, alumni and friends of the Madison Scouts gather and pay tribute to ALS patients and families by singing, "You'll Never Walk Alone." Since the 1950s, the song has been intimately connected with the Corps and underscores the Madison Scouts philosophy of supporting "Brothers" under the most challenging of times. "ALS patients are our brothers."

Patiant Advocate, Jim Eutizzi, surrounded by Madison Scouts Alumni singing "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Strategic Partnership

In 2010, Rockin4ALS partnered with The ALS Association Wisconsin Chapter. The Chapter provides patient services throughout Wisconsin and has an ALS Association Certified Clinic at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. In addition, the Chapter raises funds to provide ALS research grants at the state and national level.

Madison Community of ALS Support
Over the years, Rockin4ALS worked jointly with the Chapter on multiple initiatives and in 2017, formed a strategic alliance to build a Madison Community of ALS Support. Rockin4ALS is now engaged in a Strategic Outreach Program to connect Madison patients and caregivers to the Chapter.

The Chapter offers supportive programs and services free of charge, including personalized Care Service Coordinators to help navigate healthcare options and programs, and answer questions about insurance and disability – and to simply accompany the patient and family through the ALS journey.

The Chapter facilitates local patient and caregiver support groups, operates an equipment loan program for assistive communication and durable equipment, and provides grants for automobile & home modifications, and transportation costs to medical appointments. This is just a brief overview of support and services. For complete information, please visit alsawi.org.
All Rockin4ALS funds are solely dedicated to helping provide patients and caregivers with services offered by the Wisconsin Chapter.

Executive Director, Melanie Roach-Bekos, with Patient Advocate, Jim Eutizzi, and Rockin4ALS representatives.