By Alice Pham
Newswise–After seeing her husband Alan “Al” Tarkington fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for five years, Stephanie Tarkington made it her goal to help other patients and families who are navigating the devastating disease.
To enhance patient care and accelerate research on ALS, Stephanie Tarkington has donated a total of $2 million to the University of California San Diego.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, loss of mobility and respiratory failure. Stephanie Tarkington’s support for ALS research at UC San Diego began soon after Al’s passing from the devastating disease in 2024. Her goal is to further strengthen critical research efforts to improve care and advance discoveries.
“I am determined to do what I can to help fight this disease and support the families facing it,” said Stephanie Tarkington. “By investing in research and care, I hope to help advance new treatments and bring us closer to a cure.”
UC San Diego is home to one of the nation’s top research and clinical care programs focused on ALS. Led by John Ravits, MD, professor of clinical neurosciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a neurologist at UC San Diego Health, the Center for ALS Research and Therapy combines clinical trials, translational and basic research and comprehensive patient care to advance our understanding of the progression and pathology of ALS. His team provides compassionate, patient-centered care that has shaped standards nationally.
“UC San Diego is widely recognized as a leader in both the clinical care and research of ALS,” said Ravits. “Through a multidisciplinary approach, our goal is to deliver leading-edge treatment while advancing scientific discovery to improve outcomes for patients and families. We are so grateful to Stephanie Tarkington for her generous support of ALS research with the goal of helping others – and ultimately eradicating this devastating disease.”
In addition to providing current use funds for research, Stephanie Tarkington also established the Al Tarkington Endowed Lectureship in ALS at UC San Diego. The inaugural lecture was held in September 2025, bringing together researchers, clinicians and community members to share emerging discoveries and foster collaboration. The next Al Tarkington Lecture is scheduled for September 4, 2026, and will be open to the public.
Al passed away on March 13, 2024, at age 84, from ALS. A certified public accountant, he practiced in Southern California until his retirement in 1999. Beyond his profession, he was widely known throughout the City of Del Mar for his civic leadership and environmental stewardship. He served four years on the Del Mar City Council and as mayor from 1979 to 1980, helping secure the acquisition of what is now Powerhouse Park and championing coastal access efforts.
Outside of public service, Al was an accomplished endurance athlete. He completed at least 20 Ironman triathlons and continued competing even as ALS symptoms emerged. He cycled thousands of miles worldwide, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and hiked to Everest Base Camp, embodying the discipline and determination that defined his life.
He and Stephanie, who is known by friends as Steve, met in college and were married for 61 years. Their partnership reflected a shared commitment to community, adventure and service. Following Al’s diagnosis, their longstanding commitment to service expanded to include ALS advocacy and fundraising. They formed “Tark the Shark,” a team that raised funds for ALS awareness and research through local walks and community events.
Although public awareness of ALS has grown in recent years, significant challenges remain in understanding its causes and developing effective treatments. Philanthropic support remains critical to accelerating scientific progress and improving patient care. To learn more about supporting ALS research at UC San Diego, email e3collins@ucsd.edu.
Interested individuals may also join UC San Diego for its upcoming ALS Clinical and Community Care Conference 2026 on April 24, 2026. The conference will feature expert-led sessions and opportunities to connect with leading professionals in neurology, respiratory care, speech therapy, nutrition and rehabilitation. The conference is designed to empower attendees with the latest insights, practical strategies and supportive resources to improve quality of life and foster innovation in ALS care. Registration is now open.
