News & Stories

Our News & Stories section serves as a valuable resource for both the ALS community and media professionals to receive timely updates about ALS, our community, and the ALS Network.

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Spotlight on… Marsha Maytum, FAIA, LEED AP A Leader through Design, Social Justice and ALS Advocacy

March 27, 2022

Since 1977, Marsha Maytum, FAIA, LEED AP, has been a practicing architect in San Francisco, with a focus on design for sustainability, culture, and social responsibility. After she was diagnosed…

 Spotlight on … Eugenia “Jane” Shvartsman Student Event Chair, Jim Tracy 5k to Defeat ALS

March 24, 2022

Eugenia “Jane” Shvartsman has always been a person driven to challenge herself and try new things. As a freshman at San Francisco University High School (SFUHS), Jane joined their Track…

Spotlight on… Mari Winsor and Kristi Cooper: History-makers, Trailblazers, Powerhouses, and Storytellers

March 20, 2022

Leadership is not defined by the exercise of power but by the capacity to increase the sense of power among those led. The most essential work of the leader is…

#VoiceYourLove Spotlight: Ryan Farnsworth

February 4, 2022

Ryan Farnsworth was diagnosed with ALS in 2015 at the age of 29. Throughout his journey with the disease, Ryan continued his work as a writer, poet, and inspirational speaker.…

Spotlight on Thomas and Carolyn Reese

November 29, 2021

Sometimes a chance encounter can lead to our most significant relationships.  Thomas “Tom” Reese had just finished serving in the Coast Guard and was starting to practice law as a…

A message from …. José Fajardo: There is hope to end ALS

November 12, 2021

Aloha, I recently shared my story for the Golden West Chapter’s Walk to Defeat ALS. For the first time ever, teams and participants representing 31 California counties and the entire…

A Message from Jerelyn Smith, Former Private E 1, United States Army

November 11, 2021

I was born, raised, and live in California. I had wanted to serve in the military for most of my life. Determined that this would be my career, I took…

Spotlight on …. Sue Morris – Committed to Care, Cures, and Community

November 8, 2021

“There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need…

Fueled by 15 years of ALS advocacy, California renews funding to the Golden West Chapter for the ALS community

November 6, 2021

The State of California renewed multi-year funding for our wraparound model of care that helps people live longer and better with ALS, and also accelerates the search for treatments and…