RICHMOND, Va. – Former Haverford College women's basketball player Dominique Meeks '13 was honored Wednesday night with the Emerging Leader Award at the Richmond Dine to Defeat ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Dinner hosted by the DC/Maryland/Virginia Chapter of The ALS Association at the Omni Hotel.
The Emerging Leader Award was established to recognize individuals who show an unwavering commitment to the fight against ALS. Meeks is on the DC/Maryland/Virginia Chapter's Walk to Defeat ALS committee. This past fall, her team, the Faith Walkers, raised nearly $20,000 during the Richmond Walk. Her team was recognized as the most successful group donor for that event, held annually at Brown's Island in Richmond. That team featured both students, staff and alumni from Haverford College including members of the women's basketball team.
Meek's mother, Libby, passed away from ALS in August of 2013 after battling the disease for more than 21 years. Libby Meeks was a fixture at Haverford College women's basketball games during Dominque's career. Libby's passion for raising funds and awareness to fight ALS inspired many, but none more than Dominque.
During her time at Haverford, Dominique became part of a Haverford College community that has shown a willingness to come together to fight ALS. Meeks was instrumental in bringing the Billy Lake ALS Basketball Marathon to Haverford. That event raised $26,725 last year toward research efforts by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association and is staffed by the women's basketball team. In addition, Meeks helped organize members of athletic teams to participate in ALS Walks in Richmond, Ocean City, N.J. and Philadelphia.
She also was a four-year member of the Joe Schwartz '83 Memorial 3K Run/Walk committee. That event, organized by Cory Walts, brings the entire Haverford community together to raise funds for the Philadelphia ALS Association. During the eighth installment of the run in 2015, over $11,000 was donated, making it the most successful event yet. During the event's eight years, the run has raised over $44,000.
After receiving the award, Meeks spoke passionately about the need for more funding to go not only toward research but to the families impacted by this disease. The money that the DC/Maryland/Virginia Chapter raises is to fund free resources for ALS patients and their families to use.
"Without it (funding), patients would not be able receive the care and equipment necessary for them to live the most independent and pain-free lives possible in the time that they have left," said Meeks. "Nor would they be able to plug into the ALS community through support groups, which give strength and hope to preserve because you know that others are fighting with you."
Meeks wrapped up her wonderful speech inviting all to participate in the Richmond Walk on Oct. 24 with her team, Libby's Faith Walkers, and embody her motto "Continue to Walk and Never Lose Faith."