It’s been over a year since my diagnosis, and I still don’t have the words to really explain all that has changed. It’s been a year of struggle, questions, tears, denial, achievement, difficulty, love, sadness, and so much more. I feel like a completely different person most days. But through it all, I try to remind myself, “Today, you get to keep living.”

In June 2023, I was diagnosed with ALS. It has taken a lot from me physically and I am constantly learning and adapting to my every day struggles. But, mentally it has given me a deep sense of gratitude for the life I have and the people who are by my side in it (especially Garrett, who has been my angel through all of this). I choose to wake up every day with perseverance, hope for a cure, and a desire to find joy in the life I get to continue to live.

I am making this post because I would love my community’s support as I join the 2024 Walk ALS Georgia on September 21, 2024. We are walking to support ALS United of Georgia, which has been a program that has helped navigate this journey for me and my family. ALS United of Georgia and Walk ALS Georgia raises money to provide Georgians living with ALS the support they need to live a full life post-diagnosis. We are also walking to support research efforts into treatments and a cure so that an ALS diagnosis is not fatal.

I hope you will walk with me on September 21, 2024 at Center Parc Stadium at Georgia State (old Turner Field), and support me and my team by fundraising below. If you’d like to join our team, donate, or share to help fundraise, I’d love any support!

-Melissa