News & Stories
What Fighting ALS Means to Team VanderHouwen
For Team VanderHouwen, joining the Portland Walk ALS isn’t just about showing up; it’s about honoring a legacy. Sara Powell, the team captain (pictured), shared more with us about what Walk ALS means to their team and why they have joined the walk for the last ten years.
More than a Colleague
VanderHouwen is a staffing solutions provider based in Portland, Oregon. They serve a diverse clientele in both the Pacific Northwest and nationally. Their team’s commitment to ALS Northwest is deep and very personal. In 2021, one of their long-time and most beloved employees, John Niemer (pictured below), lost his battle with ALS. John, affectionately known as “Niemer”, left a legacy at VanderHouwen, and Sara and the rest of his colleagues are grateful they have the chance to carry on his legacy with ALS Northwest.
When asked what about John left a mark on the staff, Sara said, with a huge smile on her face, that “Niemer was intensely loyal to his family, friends, colleagues, and clients, always showing up for the people who mattered most in his life. His dedication to VanderHouwen, his work, and the clients he supported was unwavering, reflecting both his professionalism and his genuine care for others. He had a big heart and an even bigger personality that filled every room he entered, paired with a great sense of humor that brought people together and lifted spirits.”
More than anything, John cared immensely about the people around him. When he asked, “How are you?”, he truly meant it, taking the time to listen and connect in a way that made others feel seen and valued. John remained upbeat and positive, even on the most difficult days of his battle with ALS, showing strength and resilience that inspired everyone around him.
Carrying a Legacy
Everyone at VanderHouwen was and remains inspired by the commitment and courage they witnessed during John’s battle with ALS and are proud to have a strong partnership with ALS Northwest. Every year for the last ten years, they have continuously shown up to the Portland Walk ALS. They walk to honor John’s memory and courage, and to help ALS Northwest continue providing invaluable support and resources to the local ALS community while advancing the broader mission to find a cure.
Give Back Days
On top of showing up to the walk, Sara always thinks outside the box when it comes to fundraising for their walk team. In the past, she’s partnered with various coffee shops and restaurants for ‘give back’ days. The proceeds from those ‘give backs’ are credited to the walk team and provide direct care services to people living with ALS through ALS Northwest.
- On May 8, 2026, Shake Shack at Bridgeport Village will donate 25% of the day’s proceeds to ALS Northwest.
- On May 14, 2026, Jolly Roger at John’s Landing will donate 20% of the day’s proceeds to ALS Northwest.
Sara and Team VanderHouwen are an incredible example of how the community can come together to make a difference for people living with ALS. Over the last ten years they have fundraised over $93,000 for ALS Northwest, and they are hoping to cross the $100,000 line for the 2026 Walk. If you want to join their team or donate, please visit this link. You can also register your own team or yourself as an individual for the Portland Walk!