Our Inspiration
This is a tribute to the amazing individuals for whom this cause was created. We honor them, we love them and we are committed to telling their story and continuing their legacy.
Chris Clark
Chris Clark is an educator, director, actor, father, and husband who has been familiar face in the Utah performing scene for over 20 years. He has served as the chair of the Theatre Department at UVU and executive producer of Robert Redford’s Sundance Summer Theatre. He has directed at Hale Centre Theatre West Valley, Hale Centre Theatre Orem and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
In March of 2016, Chris was diagnosed with ALS and since then, his health has declined rapidly. He continues to work in the performing arts community, however, due to his failing health, has had to step down from many of his responsibilities. Through this illness, his character and cheerful outlook touch countless lives.Chris continues to be an example of excellence to performers of all ages. We honor him, his family and his global contribution to the arts at this event
Dr David Falk
David was a teacher, friend, a leader and a guide. He was a Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. He spent his life helping those in need and standing up for what was righteous. David spent his career focus on comforting the ill. After diagnosed with ALS his first thought was how to contribute to research. He travelled to St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Boston and selflessly gave tissue to research projects to help find a cure he knew he personally would not have time to receive. David was a lifelong learner, he loved to discover new things. He got his PhD from Northwestern in Social Psychology. He started his career in Washington, D. C. at the National Institute of Education doing research and reporting to Congress. He then got his Post Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Penn State. When they moved to Cleveland he worked in the spinal cord unit at the VA Hospital. He then worked for the Cleveland Clinic and helped design the Mellon Center for Multiple Sclerosis. In 1982 he opened his private practice and helped countless patients. He later became trained as a Psychoanalyst. At age 65 he got his MBA in healthcare to try to humanize the medical field. He was a member of the American Psychological Association, the President of the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center and an officer on the Executive Committee of the American Psychoanalytic Association. He was also a member of the International Psychoanalytic Association. He was awarded the Healthcare Provider of the Year from the MS Society and Easter Seals.
Todd Moreno
Todd was diagnosed with ALS in April of 2008, not long after his 22nd birthday.
Before his diagnosis, Todd worked 3 different jobs to save money to restore his beloved 1966 Plymouth Barracuda. About a quarter of the way through the restoration, ALS began to rapidly take over Todd’s body, and it became apparent that Todd would soon need to live on a ventilator to fulfill his dream of rebuilding his barracuda. By December of 2008, after losing the ability to eat, speak and walk, the decision had been made by Todd and his family to be put on mechanical ventilation. Todd lived on the ventilator for the next 3 ½ years, until his passing at the young age of 25.
Through the help of local donations, and with the support of the local chapter of The ALS Association, Todd’s barracuda was completely restored. Todd was able to enjoy several 1st place trophies along with attending numerous car shows before losing his battle with ALS in December of 2011.