On May 6, 2025, I was diagnosed with ALS.

Three words changed my entire world.

It was devastating—gut-wrenching. In an instant, my life flashed before my eyes, along with all the moments I may not be here for.

Watching my boys get married. Becoming a grandparent. Growing old with Ethan... and giving him hell every step of the way, of course.

ALS has forced me to face a future I never imagined.

For people like me, there is something we can do—and that's Walk ALS Georgia.

This walk raises awareness and critical funds to support Georgians living with ALS today while helping advance research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that slowly robs a person of the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or background. Despite recent advances in research, we still don't know what causes it.

There is currently no cure. An ALS diagnosis is terminal.

That's why I'm walking.

I'm walking so that one day, when someone in Georgia hears the words, "You have ALS," they won't also hear a 2-to-5-year prognosis.

I'm walking so that people living with ALS know they are not alone.

I'm walking to help ensure that ALS United of Georgia can continue providing the services, equipment, resources, and support that families like mine rely on.

I'm walking to give others—and myself—hope.

You may not know someone living with ALS, but you know me.

Today, I'm asking for your support.

Please consider joining Laurie's Tribe of Twisted Neurons at Walk ALS Georgia, or making a donation to support our team. Every dollar raised helps improve the lives of people living with ALS while bringing us one step closer to a world without this disease.

Thank you for standing beside me, believing in me, and giving me hope. Together, we can make a difference—one step at a time.