Wheels that heal: Box Car Derby raises funds for ALS research program

By Sheila Pursglove Legal News Ann Arbor attorney David Lowenschuss usually drives a minivan. But once a year his vehicle of choice is a little wooden car in a Box Car Derby--although he usually serves as an official rather than a driver. This year's Derby and picnic helping to raise funds in the battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)--a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease--is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, on South University between Oxford and Washtenaw, near the University of Michigan Phi Delta Theta fraternity in Ann Arbor. The Derby is run by Ann Arbor Active Against ALS (A2A3), a group formed by supportive friends and neighbors of Bob Schoeni--diagnosed with ALS in July 2008--his wife Gretchen Spreitzer and their daughters Maddie and Sophie. "Having worked for many years in the pharmaceutical industry, I knew that hardly any money or research efforts were being invested by the large pharmaceutical companies in ALS research. They consider it an orphan disease, not likely to generate enough money to make a major research investment worthwhile," Lowenschuss says. "Not one of the major pharmaceutical companies has an active ALS research program. Almost all neurodegenerative research--the type of disease ALS is considered--funds are focused on Alzheimer's or Parkinson's." With no known cure or even effective treatment for ALS, Schoeni's friends, neighbors and colleagues felt powerless. Most sufferers die within 2 to 5 years of diagnosis, steadily losing the ability to move, swallow and--finally--to breathe. "We were faced with the choice of watching Bob succumb in this manner or find a way to raise much needed funds for ALS cure-based research," Lowenschuss says. "In addition, we've found ways to educate the public about ALS, provide a supportive community environment for Bob, Gretchen and their girls and show our own children they can make a difference in their community. "Bob has said many times the support of the community has been one of the most beneficial therapies he's received." The group was formed shortly after Ann Arbor attorney Phil Bowen died of ALS in September 2008. "I didn't know Phil personally but his daughter Diana was on our board until she began her medical residency in Chicago," Lowenschuss says. "What I know of Phil from other colleagues and friends is that he was incredibly generous with his time in the support of charities and non-profits and he sat on a number of non-profit boards. Everyone loved and respected Phil. His death was an incredible loss to his family and the community." A2A3 has funded two different groups: The Program for Neurology Research & Discovery, under Director Dr. Eva Feldman, part of the Taubman Center at the University of Michigan, and where Dr. Feldman is involved in the first stem cell clinical trial for ALS patients; and a nonprofit biotech company ALS TDI (www.als.net) that does cure-based ALS research. "I also provide pro bono corporate legal work to ALS TDI and they have a few potential treatments that we hope make it into the clinic in the near term," Lowenschuss says. Schoeni's disease has progressed slowly. "Bob still coaches his daughters' sports teams, he is still working, and he is still the great friend and neighbor he's always been," Lowenschuss says. A number of A2A3 Board members have been touched by ALS, including Laura Stidham, who has lost six family members to the disease. The Box Car Derby event was born shortly after the group's first Family Field Day in October 2008. "We were contacted by the U-M Phi Delta Theta fraternity," Lowenschuss says. "Historically ALS has been their charitable cause because Lou Gehrig was a member of the Columbia University chapter of Phi Delta Theta when he was student there. "They were looking to do something different to raise funds and thought a Box Car Derby would be a nice change from a fund-raising walk." The event quickly grew in popularity; last year more than 60 teams competed. "The most important things about this event are that the kids love it, the fraternity brothers love it and the adults love it," Lowenschuss says. "It's amazing to watch all of these groups get excited." Pre-built cars are available for teams if they choose not to build their own cars--but creative new cars are strongly encouraged. The entrance fee is $30 per team. Each team is guaranteed at least three runs, so three drivers (or fewer) per team is suggested to allow everyone a chance to drive. Food and drinks are available during the event; and a picnic follows the race, on the lawn of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house. The group will also hold a 5-km "Twinkie Run," 6:15 p.m. on Friday, April 1, starting near the canoe livery in Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. In this goofy April Fool's Day event, runners eat a Twinkie at the start of the race and again after mile 1.5--then enjoy more goodies at the finish; and earn a 60-second time reduction with each Twinkie consumed. The event includes a homemade Twinkie contest and deep-fried Twinkies. The group also will take part in several runs in Ann Arbor and other places; and raises funds through an ongoing "Baking for Bob" campaign. Last year's events included a Family Field Day and the inaugural Swimming Holiday Relays. For more information, visit A2A3.org. Meet David Lowenschuss President of David H. Lowenschuss PLC in Ann Arbor, Lowenschuss earned his bachelor's degree in political science and master's degree in urban studies from the University of Michigan; and his law degree from the George Washington University Law School. He clerked for Harris, Guenzel, Meier & Nichols in Ann Arbor prior to Bob Guenzel leaving to become Washtenaw County administrator. He also clerked for Washtenaw County Corporation Counsel and City of Ann Arbor City Attorney. After graduating, Lowenschuss worked for The MEDSTAT Group, now part of Thomson-Reuters Healthcare; then with Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis just prior to its merger with Pfizer Inc., after which he began a solo practice working with companies like HealthMedia (now owned by Johnson & Johnson) and Esperion Therapeutics. He then served as in-house counsel with Esperion Therapeutics until it merged with Pfizer Inc. He worked with Pfizer until the Ann Arbor campus was closed and then restarted his solo practice, where he acts as a virtual in-house counsel for a number of companies. He also serves as a Moot Court judge for the University of Michigan Law School. For more information, visit www.lifescienceslawyer.com. Published: Wed, Mar 23, 2011

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