Cardiff CA— The ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter has recognized 23-year-old Jackson Strong, who wanted to do something special for his dad, Cardiff resident John Strong, 56, who was diagnosed a year ago with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease.
What did Jackson do? He recently ran 32 miles in one day and raised $25,000 in donations for the ALS Association in support of research and programs, services and resources provided to local families living with ALS.
“What Jackson did in support of ALS is an inspirational and amazing story,” said Steve Becvar, executive director, ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter. “He stepped-up to the plate and completed an impressive athletic achievement on behalf of his terrific family and everyone who is helping us eliminate this horrible disease. He is an incredible young man.”

According to Jackson, “My friend Ian and I were planning on completing a marathon (26.2 miles) in honor of my dad, who is fighting an intense battle every day of his life. We received many generous donations from family and friends. Some gave a flat sum while other donations were based on a per-mile basis.
“However, at the marathon mark, we decided to just keep on running. After 5 hours, 20 minutes and 35 seconds, we eventually completed 32 miles, which is my dad’s favorite number and his high school basketball number.”
The story of the Strong family is one filled with heartache, hope and strong bonds of closeness as they cope with the horror of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in people living with ALS weakens muscles and impacts physical function. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which usually leads to total paralysis. There is no cure, cause, or life-prolonging treatments for ALS. The life expectancy for a person with ALS is within two to five years of diagnosis of initial symptoms.
While attending Torrey Pines High School, part of San Dieguito Union High School District, Jackson played varsity basketball for the Falcons during his junior (2014-2015) and senior years (2015-2016). With an average of 16 points per game, he was named the Palomar League’s most valuable player and listed on the first-team all-CIF. (Jackson, was recently appointed an assistant basketball coach at Carlsbad High School.)
Then, while earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Humboldt State University, Jackson also played basketball for the Lumberjacks. Playing the shooting guard position, Jackson averaged 12.7 points per game and tied a school record with 10 three-pointers in one game. He also was named to the All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) team in athletics and academics.

Jackson’s life changed forever on Jan. 31, 2020, during a Humboldt State road trip to San Diego to play at the California State University San Marcos. John Strong took Jackson and his sister Katie out to breakfast for a heart-to-heart conversation.
“He told me about his diagnosis (confirmed on Dec. 29, 2019),” said Jackson. “The news was devastating. It was extremely emotional. The next day we were scheduled to play the game at San Marcos. My head wasn’t really in the game and I didn’t feel great in warm-ups, but once the game started, the outcome was pretty amazing.”
Jackson scored a career high 34 points while making eight three-point field goals in a 91-85 road CCAA conference overtime victory.
“After the game was over, my dad gave me a big hug and neither of us could hold back the tears,” Jackson said. “It was very overwhelming to share that moment together and it is something I will never forget.”

After college, upon returning to San Diego, Jackson reconnected with a friend Ian Aschieris, who played soccer while attending the University of Notre Dame.
“We decided to start running together just to stay in shape,” said Jackson. “We kept increasing our distance and then finished a half-marathon in August. One day, we came-up with the idea of a marathon fundraiser for ALS to honor my dad.”
The 32-mile run, originally planned to be 26.2 miles, was held on a Sunday last October.
“We selected a route that looped around Ocean Air Recreation Center in Carmel Valley, a place where I used to practice shooting as a kid and my dad would rebound for me,” said Jackson. “Several friends decided to join running with me on that day and my dad was there to watch. It was a great day and a spectacular experience.”
The Strong family has been spending extra time together, enjoying family dinners and watching sports on TV, including the Super Bowl.
“Our family is doing the best we can, some days are better than others. ALS is really a hard disease to deal with because of how difficult it is to watch someone you love go through something like that. It ends up affecting everyone in the family,” said Jackson. “We’re enjoying every moment and soaking-up the quality time as much as possible. We’re trying to remain positive, live our lives in the present and in the moment. My dad’s favorite motto is, `We got now.’
“My dad is a man who has been dedicated to physical fitness his whole life. Whether it was playing basketball, swimming, biking or running, he has always been the person who pushed himself as far as he can. He still continues to push himself each and every day with his home workouts, but ALS is quickly deteriorating his abilities. For 32 miles, I pushed myself just like my dad has done. I’m glad I did something to help raise awareness about ALS and hope to continue to help spread the information as much as possible in honor of my dad.”
The Greater San Diego Chapter, chartered in February 2013, is one of 39 chapters nationwide. The San Diego chapter works closely with the ALS San Diego Clinic at the University of California San Diego, which has been certified as a Center of Excellence by the national ALS organization. At its San Diego offices, the local chapter also showcases an ALS bedroom and bathroom that is equipped with features and benefits that would be helpful to people with ALS. For more information about the ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter and donation information, visit www.alsasd.org