Thank you for visiting our team's walkALS Georgia fundraising page.

The story began on June 23, 2024…the day before my 29th wedding anniversary…with a simple but awkward fall in my driveway.  The result was a broken right leg requiring a surgical repair and a 4-day hospital stay. 

After several months of consistent PT/Rehab, I had still not fully recovered as expected. I continued to struggle with my walking.  Something just didn’t feel quite right.  I began seeking additional medical guidance for an answer to my health concerns.

On June 25, 2025…the day after my 30th wedding anniversary…I was given an answer: 

I was diagnosed with non-genetic (sporadic) ALS.  My life changed…instantly.

90% of ALS cases are considered “sporadic.”  With sporadic ALS, there are:

• No known causes
• No known cures
• Endless questions
• Few answers

Sitting in the lobby of the doctor’s building that day, reeling from the shock, the questions began:

• How did this happen?
• What does this mean?
• What happens next?
• What can I do?
• How do I tell my kids?

What remains is to focus on…Faith, Hope, Joy, and Gratitude.  Each is a gift…every day.

It’s been just over one year since my diagnosis.  The everyday struggles continue. 

Each day is different.  Each morning, I remind myself…Today is just…TODAY. 

Each day, I focus on…What I’m able to do…and Who & What I’m grateful for...my family, friends, neighbors, and the everyday support from so many that support the ALS community.

My #1 daily goal…is to find a way to make my wife Beth laugh & smile at least once a day.

I’m sharing this story as…an Invitation…to become an “ordinary” Hero. 

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, ALS United of Georgia is hosting the 2026 walkALS Georgia at Center Parc Stadium at Georgia State (old Turner Field) with the purpose to raise funds for ALS United of Georgia. 

Every dollar donated goes directly to ALS United of Georgia to support a wide range valuable programs and services needed by hundreds of Individuals & Families suddenly confronted with the challenges of living with ALS. 

We are walking so Georgians living with ALS can get the support they need to live a full life post-diagnosis. It costs on average $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need.

walkALS Georgia raises money to provide local care services like monthly support meetings, direct financial support, respite care, transportation services, and home & mobility equipment loans to help alleviate the cost for families in Georgia.

We are also walking to support ongoing research efforts into treatments…and a cure.

Join us, or consider a small donation…and become an “ordinary” Hero!

Thank You !!!!   

The Finchers…Ron, Beth, John, and Sarah