ALS United Mid-Atlantic honors John Gauger of Rehoboth

For his work supporting the Rehoboth ALS United Walk, John Gauger has been named ALS United Mid-Atlantic September 2024 Volunteer of the Month.

For more than 20 years, Gauger has worked to support the advancement of ALS care and research, in loving memory of his wife Sandra. Before she passed away from ALS in 2005, the Gaugers formed a team at the Lehigh Valley ALS United Walk. John saw how people came together and lifted each other up when they needed it most. Their children and extended family joined them then and for every walk since.

As he settled in Rehoboth Beach, Gauger joined the new ALS United Walk that was forming in 2008 with leadership from people like Mary Ann Wollter and her daughter Mary Lou, Joyce Paugh, and others who had been impacted by ALS. Gauger was eager to help. Mary Ann had recently lost her husband to ALS, and John had lost his wife, so they quickly formed a bond of friendship.

From the beginning, Gauger has served as a dedicated organizer for the growing ALS walk. He spread the word to a local hospice group in Milford and through connections from his church. People registered, formed teams, donated and helped the walk grow each year.

Gauger’s commitment to ALS extends beyond the walk. He has advocated locally and in Washington, D.C., with Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper, to encourage greater investment in ALS research and care. Gauger is always ready to educate anyone and everyone about ALS.

“At age 87, I do not have the energy that I once did, but I still do all that I can,” he said. “I put out pamphlets, talk to the local chamber of commerce and get information to everyone so they will join our efforts to end ALS.”

For more than 20 years, Gauger truly has done all he can for the ALS cause, and it has made a lasting impact. The Rehoboth ALS United Walk has raised over $1.2 million since it began in 2008, benefiting programs that support research, home care and communication devices. Delaware families are better connected to ALS United Mid-Atlantic care professionals. Federal investments in research continue to show promise with new treatments approved by the FDA.