Honoring his Brother’s Life, and the Organization that was a Big Part of it

Neal Thayer was thrilled when he got the offer to work in The Chicago Lighthouse’s call center for the Illinois Tollway. Visually impaired his entire life, the job gave Neal an opportunity to be part of a community that prioritized accommodating his needs so he could thrive both in work and in his personal life.

When Neal passed away in 2022, his brother, Liam Boyle, found an opportunity to honor Neal’s memory by participating in The Chicago Lighthouse’s Rise to Shine Run & Walk, raising more than $5,000 for the organization in the process. As the third annual Rise to Shine approaches on October 20, 2024, Liam is running again to honor his brother’s memory and support the organization that helped Neal throughout his life.

“He set the bar high to commit himself to other people throughout his life,” Liam says. “I’m hoping to do that for The Lighthouse to help other people because that’s what he would do.”

In addition to employment, The Lighthouse provided Neal and his family with additional support throughout his life. At four months old, he was a participant in our Birth-to-Three Program, and as an adult, the Employment Services program helped Neal with his resume and interviewing skills before he began working for The Lighthouse.

“When he was hired to work at the Tollway call center, I was so happy that he had job security with good benefits, which raised his self-esteem and helped him live independently and comfortably. Also, the fact that he was able to work every day with peers that shared similar disabilities helped his confidence grow,” says Neal and Liam’s mother, Colleen. “As a mother, we all hope for our children to be in a good place in life, and The Lighthouse was that place for Neal.”

This year, Liam expects more company on the course. For 2023’s race, Liam’s daughter had just been born, but he felt honoring Neal’s memory – particularly so close to his passing – was important enough to take a quick break from new fatherhood. This year, Liam expects his wife and daughter to attend Rise to Shine, which also includes many family activities and entertainment. Most of all, Liam says, it’s a great way to get a sense of The Lighthouse’s community.

“It was a great sight to see people help each other cross that finish line. That’s what it’s all about,” Liam says.

The Chicago Lighthouse’s Rise to Shine Run & Walk will take place on Sunday, October 20. The 10K/5K/1M run, walk and roll will begin at 8 a.m. (with a pre-race stretch at 7:30 a.m.) and will be followed by a Fitness Fest for All that will feature a kids’ race, massages, entertainment, free breakfast tacos, and activities for the whole family! Register to participate, fundraise or contribute at www.RiseToShineRace.com.

To contribute to Liam’s team, In Memory of Neal Thayer, click this link.