Gerardo Flores, a longtime educator, devoted husband, and an ALS advocate from Downey, California, has faced life with courage and determination since his diagnosis in May 2022. Before ALS became part of his story, Gerardo dedicated over 20 years to working with children, both inside and outside the classroom. Most recently, he served as a substitute teacher for the Downey Unified School District.
Gerardo’s passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom. From 2015 to 2019, he worked closely with students from kindergarten through fifth grade who had mild to moderate learning disabilities. This was a pivotal period in Gerardo’s life that inspired him to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching. He was accepted into his dream school, USC, and was expected to start his program in the fall of 2019.
Unfortunately, the pandemic affected his program, and during this time, Gerardo and his fiancée, Isabel—also a teacher—navigated the challenges of surviving on a single income as remote learning became the new normal. Despite the obstacles, Gerardo’s determination never wavered and he was able to continue his program in January 2021. He completed a unique student-teaching experience that transitioned from online instruction to in-person learning and even taught summer school, solidifying his dedication to education.
By late October 2021, Gerardo began noticing the first signs of ALS, with a weakening grip in his left hand. At the time, he was focused on finishing his program and applying for a full-time teaching position. He was fortunate to be offered an Interventionist role at his school, allowing him to support his students while preparing for his wedding coming up in July 2022. However, his symptoms worsened, and his life took a dramatic turn when he received his ALS diagnosis in May 2022.
Despite the progression of the disease, Gerardo has continued to embrace life fully. He has traveled to Iceland, Ireland, France, Hawai’i, Orlando, Arizona, and Las Vegas, cherishing moments with his loved ones. ALS has affected nearly every aspect of his daily life—he now uses a feeding tube and ventilator—but it has not diminished his optimism.
“I am very hopeful that a cure is on the horizon, and I can get back to the life that I love, make kids enjoy school with my unique teaching style, and go around spreading ALS awareness whenever and wherever I can.”
Gerardo remains deeply involved in the ALS community, attending connection groups, mentoring others who are newly diagnosed, and participating in events like Lou Gehrig Day with the Dodgers and the ALS Network’s Walk & Roll to Cure ALS in Los Angeles. In May 2025, he shared a video about his diagnosis to mark ALS Awareness Month. Together with his wife, he also shares his journey on Instagram (@team.bringit), spreading awareness and bringing hope to others facing ALS.
Gerardo emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and courtesy toward those living with disabilities, advocating for greater understanding and inclusion. For him, living with ALS is “defeating, uplifting, and filled with an unrelenting amount of hope.” Through his advocacy, Gerardo continues to inspire others, showing that life with ALS can still be rich in purpose, connection, and joy.
The ALS Network is deeply grateful to Gerardo for sharing his story, and to his wife and loved ones for their dedication to our mission and those affected by ALS.
