El Cerrito resident David Lingren has been named the recipient of the 2026 Essey Commitment to Cures Award. The ALS Network will honor Lingren at its annual “Champions for Cures and Care” gala on Jan. 24 at the Pasadena Convention Center.
The award recognizes Lingren’s significant contributions to the ALS community through his work on the Community Research Committee (CRC). This committee, made up of volunteers with personal experience with the disease, provides guidance and feedback to help shape global research agendas and funding decisions.
“Being a part of the Community Research Committee has allowed me to make a modest contribution to the important work of the ALS Network,” Lingren said. “I’m hopeful that the grants will be part of understanding ALS and developing new therapies.”
The ALS Network, formerly known as ALS Golden West, serves families across California and Hawaii. In addition to honoring Lingren, the gala will recognize actor Eric Dane as “Advocate of the Year” for his efforts to bring global attention to the disease.
ALS, often called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative illness with no known cure. Lingren’s work with the CRC ensures that the voices of those living with the disease, or those who have served as caregivers, are at the forefront of the search for a cure.
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