Volunteer Appreciation Month
Celebrating Generosity and Service to Our ALS Community
Volunteers provide help and hope to people living with ALS and their loved ones in so many ways, including participating in our community outreach events and raising much-needed funds; advocating for legislation by sending emails, making phone calls; and posting on social media to help raise ALS awareness and support for our organization.
Throughout this month, we will be sharing our gratitude for many of the ALS Network’s dedicated volunteers. Thank you to all of our volunteers for their incredible support of our mission and families facing ALS. Follow in their footsteps by signing up to be a volunteer today!
Giving Their Time and Talents: Honoring Our Event Volunteers
The ALS Network could not do what we do without our dedicated event volunteers and committee members. We appreciate their ongoing support to help fuel our mission. Learn more about why they spearhead these events and continue to volunteer year after year.
Spotlight on… Sarah Marez
“I have participated, fundraised and have been a volunteer coordinator for the ALS walks. This year will be my 13th year. I have fundraised just thousands of dollars throughout the years. Although my father was only able to participate in two years of walks, I continue to fight in his memory. I follow on social media and I am an active ALS advocate.”
- Sarah Marez
Volunteer, Central Valley Walk & Roll to Cure ALS
Growing up in the small but mighty town of Strathmore, CA, Sarah was one of three children raised by loving parents who taught her resilience and strength. In August 2012, after experiencing what initially seemed like a minor weakness in his arm, Sarah’s father, Robert Arellano, was diagnosed with ALS. The news transformed their family’s life in an instant, and urged Sarah and her family to fight the disease with Robert.
“We do not stop fundraising now because it matters. We have not yet seen a cure for ALS. For more than a decade now, I've missed my uncle Charlie for about 14 years. I'm missing my good friend Andre Chang, who battled ALS for just about two years. Even though it's decades later, I'm still here, doing warmups and fundraising because we haven't found a cure yet. Every dollar matters. This matters, this is why I'm still here, and this is why I know you're all here, so thank you for all you do.”
- Denise Lum, Zumba Instructor, Bay Area Peninsula Walk & Roll to Cure ALS & East Bay Walk & Roll to Cure ALS
“ALS Network as an organization is so well run and makes it easy to volunteer because you know where you are going and what you are doing. We love the different opportunities to get to know people whether it is friends, family or other people in the ALS community."
- Jill and Ric Lee
Volunteer, Bay Area Peninsula Walk & Roll to Cure ALS
“I became aware of the ALS Network through a couple at my church who lost their son to the disease, and who are the sponsors of a team that participates in the Napa Valley Ride. I was happy to sponsor them financially and also to sign up as a volunteer for the 2024 event. I was also motivated by my own loss of my father to ALS in 1970, when there was much less awareness of the disease or recognition of its devastating impacts, but for the legacy of Lou Gehrig. I am happy to support these efforts as a volunteer--not only in memory of my father and mother, but also on behalf of all people and families who must cope with the enormous challenges of this disease. As someone whom I admire once said: 'You've got to give them hope.'"
- Vicky Mead
Volunteer, Napa Valley Ride, Walk, & Roll to Cure ALS
“Volunteering with the ALS Network is incredibly fulfilling. At the Walk & Roll event, I witnessed how community support can make a tangible difference. Our CIRM research students connected with people living with ALS and their families, gaining first-hand insights that fuel their passion for scientific breakthroughs. I’m committed to providing opportunities that empower our students and the communities that need it most."
- Anthony Castro
Volunteer, Inland Empire Walk & Roll to Cure ALS
"Volunteering for the ALS Walk & Roll is by far the most meaningful volunteer experience I look forward to every year. First and foremost, volunteering is one of the many ways I pay homage to my father who passed away from ALS last year. It is my way to give back to the ALS Network for all of their support, navigating the journey from diagnosis to the end of life. They helped us not only with the health-related logistics but also the emotional side for the patients and their caregivers/loved ones alike."
- Garrett Sakomizu
Volunteer, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS: Los Angeles and Inland Empire
“The Hawaii ALS Walk and Zumbathon are highlights of the year! I am extremely grateful to be a part of this ohana of people who are examples of kindness and service to others. Lots of ALOHA here!”
- Debbie Park
Zumba Instructor, Hawaii Walk & Roll to Cure ALS
“Volunteering for the Hawaii ALS Walk fills me with purpose, knowing I'm contributing to a community united in fighting this devastating disease. Seeing the strength and resilience of families affected by ALS inspires me deeply, and I'm honored to play a small part in raising awareness and funds for research.”
- Tricialyn Negre
Volunteer, Hawaii Walk & Roll to Cure ALS
Raise Awareness and Inspire Action
Whether you’re a person living with ALS, a caregiver, a loved one, or an advocate, your story has the power to make a difference. Volunteering comes in many forms, and by using your voice, you can help bring awareness, support research, and encourage others to take action. We invite you to share your ALS story to help raise awareness and inspire others to get involved.
Impacting our ALS Community: SoCal Ride, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS Committee
We are grateful to our 2025 SoCal Ride, Walk, & Roll to Cure ALS Fundraising Committee! All winter and spring, they have volunteered their time and partnered with ALS Network staff to drive new fundraising and outreach objectives, cultivate community relationships, and offer their expertise to enhance YOUR experience at this year’s event!
Our deepest thanks to co-founder and committee chair Dawn Foley, and committee members Joan Ashley, Brande Belanger, Erin Core, Felice Jones, and Stu Sheldon for giving their time and talents toward this year's SoCal Ride!
Now all we need is YOU! In addition to signing up for the event, you and your network still have many options to help us cross the finish line and celebrate success together on Saturday, May 3. And we are still looking for dedicated volunteers to lend a hand!
The Power of Youth Leadership in Action: Student-led Jim Tracy 5K, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS Committee
The 11th annual Jim Tracy 5K, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS is on Sunday, May 4 in Golden Gate Park. Since its inception, this student-led, community event, held in memory of beloved San Francisco University High School coach, Jim Tracy, has grown exponentially with each year. This year’s event committee shared what this event means to them.
Giving the Gift of Themselves: ALS Network Board of Directors and Advisory Trustees
The ALS Network is grateful to those who generously share their significant gifts of time, expertise, leadership, compassion, and funding in support of the ALS community. The ALS Network’s volunteer leadership and committee members are passionate about our mission and vision. We deeply appreciate these volunteers for who they are and what they do to support families facing ALS, and to fuel the search for prevention strategies, treatments and cures for ALS.
Meet your ALS Network - Jared Gill
Meet Jared Gill, Board Chair of the ALS Network, who has been a volunteer leader in support of the ALS community for more than two decades. Jared was 19 when he lost his father, John Gill, to ALS in 2000. We salute Jared’s steadfast commitment to honor those lost to the disease, to provide help to those patients and caregivers who are currently living with ALS, and to provide hope via the urgent search for effective treatments and cures.
