CHICAGO (WLS) -- The 2025 ALS Walk for Life will include a special message from Pope Leo.

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The walk is on Saturday at Soldier Field. The event raises money for care and research in the fight against the disease.

This year, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is supporting the Pope's friend, a retired area priest who is living with ALS.

Father Jim Halstead is several years along in his journey of living with the neurodegenerative disorder.

He served in priesthood for 49 years and taught in the religious studies department at DePaul for 40 years.

He's celebrated countless masses and officiated hundreds of marriages and funerals, experiencing with people the full spectrum of life.

Fortunately for Father Jim, he's spent a life creating c

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