Standing Together for Don
In August 2024, Executive Vice President of Commercial Credit Group Inc., Don Pokorny, was diagnosed with ALS. Don has faced this disease with courage, heart, and humor. And while the symptoms have affected his body, his mind remains as sharp as ever. He continues to be deeply involved with the business, offering his financial insights and mentoring skills to nurture and grow employees across the organization.
Don has long been known for his steady leadership and his commitment to helping others succeed — qualities that continue to shine even in the face of adversity. His strength has inspired colleagues, family, and friends alike to rally around him in support.
Understanding ALS: The Fight We’re Walking For
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS causes muscle weakness and loss of function over time, and currently has no known cure.
More than 5,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. Research continues to advance, but increased awareness and funding are critical to finding better treatments — and ultimately, a cure.
The Naperville Walk: Funding a Future Without ALS
CCG’s charitable committee provides service and giving opportunities across all five of our offices. When Naperville office manager Jackie Palmer suggested that the company support Don and others fighting this devastating disease, the CCG community quickly united behind the cause.
Because the Chicago ALS Foundation was not holding a public event in fall 2025, the Naperville office organized its own walk. The event brought together 110 participants, including people who traveled from California, Washington, and Texas, and received support from local companies and CCG customers.
The group sold shirts featuring the message “Funding a Future Without ALS” and “We Walk for Don” — and, through sales and donations, raised nearly $26,000 to support ALS research and care.
Expanding the Effort: Charlotte Joins the Cause
The movement didn’t stop in Chicago. Inspired by Don’s resilience, the Charlotte office also got involved, with 30 employees and family members participating in the ALS North Carolina walk on November 1. Our efforts raised an additional $7,000, furthering the company’s collective impact.
These walks reflected more than just a fundraising goal — they represented CCG’s shared spirit of compassion, teamwork, and commitment to something greater than ourselves.
Finding Humor in Hardship: Don’s Top Ten
After the Chicago walk, Don took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and recognize those who had traveled from afar. Then, true to form, he lightened the mood with his own “Top Ten List of Cool Things About Having ALS,” channeling his inner David Letterman and showcasing the humor and wit that continue to define him.
Don’s Top Ten List of Cool Things About Having ALS:
- You get a really good ATV — it goes back and forth, and up and down. Getting around is awesome.
- You can eat whatever you want and not worry about gaining a pound.
- You get a lot of devices — I call it my Iron Man device.
- Shower chairs – they are really nice. I wish I had found them before getting sick.
- You don’t have to dress yourself anymore.
- You can give people the peace sign and not get into trouble (my pointer finger doesn’t work).
- Things are more efficient — you don’t have to get up and go to the gym anymore. Everyone comes to you!
- I learned what it feels like to be a movie star — when you’re in a wheelchair, people can’t help but look.
- You get front-row parking wherever you go.
- My bicycle pump (pointing to his oxygen machine). If you ever need air in your tires, it’s right here.
Don’s ability to find humor in hardship is just one of the many reasons he’s admired by so many. His words remind us all to find joy and gratitude in every circumstance.
Don’s Legacy: Strength, Leadership, and Heart
While Don has always been known for his professionalism and quiet strength, his true legacy lives in the lives he’s touched. From his wife of 38 years, Denise, and his three sons, to the hundreds of employees he’s mentored and the thousands of customers he’s helped, Don’s kindness and generosity will be remembered far beyond his career accomplishments.
He continues to embody the core values that make CCG what it is: integrity, compassion, and a commitment to people.
How You Can Help
If you are inspired by Don’s story and would like to learn more about ALS or contribute to ongoing research, please visit the following organizations:
- ALS Foundation
- ALS United Greater Chicago
- ALS United North Carolina
- Team Gleason
- The Les Turner Foundation
Every step, every donation, and every show of support brings us closer to funding a future without ALS.
You can watch Don go through his Top 10 List in this video.
