We recently talked with Emma Thompson, one of this year’s award recipients, to learn a little more about her personal connection to ALS, what receiving the scholarship means to her, and her future plans in nursing.
“How should I live my life?" Sadly, I don't have an answer to this question, only you can answer this question for your life, but I do have five points which may help you.
After Terry Peterson was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, his family decided to preserve the memories of their time together by documenting their journey in a video.
After Bryan was diagnosed with ALS, the Stones immediately adopted the saying, “Today is the best day of the rest of our lives, and we’re going to make the most of it.” And in the days and years since, Bryan has done just that and is an awe-inspiring example of a true ALS hero living his life to the fullest.
Amber Letters is a wife, a mom, a sister, and was a part-time caregiver for father who lost his battle with ALS this year. To honor her father’s legacy, she is sharing her family’s personal story, their journey with ALS and how they found hope along the way.
Eddie Ilarraza was diagnosed with ALS in 2002, and while his body may have slowly succumbed to the disease over the years, his mind and his spirit have not. Eddie graciously shared his story about his personal journey living with ALS, and how his determination to do whatever it takes to achieve his hopes and dreams has prevailed.
Gary Stevens lives with ALS, and has a large Walk team that wants to see the disease cured. His friend Todd is helping Gary battle ALS, just like Gary comforted him when his wife was battling cancer.
Since 2019, Kevin Heller -- a West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 58 -- and his team #GiveEmHeller, put their hearts and souls into the nation’s top-grossing ALS fundraiser, the Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS and Walk.
“Shortly after being diagnosed, I began researching and discovered how devastating this disease really is,” Pattie says. “In those early months I struggled emotionally with the outlook that was now my reality. Eventually, I chose to use my situation as motivation to try and make a difference for the future of ALS.”
“To say that Gae Skager has been a beacon of hope in the ALS community is a significant understatement,” says Anne Supplee, Care Services Coordinator from The ALS Association Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter. “Since her diagnosis in 2003, Gae has made it her mission to educate others, raise awareness and fund research for ALS.”