August 21, 2025, is the day our lives changed forever. One year later, we're walking and fundraising for a cause that has become deeply personal to our family.

Last year, my mommy, Marilyn H. Smith, was diagnosed with ALS. In her honor, we are raising funds to support research and help bring hope to those affected by this devastating disease.

My mother has always had a servant's heart. She has spent her life loving, giving, and caring for others. Now it's our turn to stand beside her and give back by supporting the fight against ALS.

ALS is a devastating disease with no known cure. It brings emotional, physical, psychological, and financial challenges that affect not only the person diagnosed, but also their families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities.

No one should face ALS alone. ALS United of Georgia provides compassionate care, valuable resources, and support programs to help families navigate this difficult journey while also funding critical research to find better treatments—and one day, a cure.

We can't do this without the support of our community. Please consider making a donation to this special tribute fund in honor of Marilyn H. Smith. Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide hope for families like ours and moves us one step closer to ending ALS.

When someone you love gets diagnosed with ALS, the first thing you ask is what can I do to help? For many people like me, the answer is to participate in walkALS Georgia, which raises awareness and money to support Georgians living with ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that slowly robs a person of the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. It can strike anyone and, although there has been a lot of advancements in ALS research, we still don’t know what causes it. An ALS diagnosis is fatal because there is no cure.

I am walking so that, one day, when Georgians hear the words, “You have ALS,” it will no longer mean that they likely will die within two to five years. I am walking so that Georgians living with ALS today know that they are not alone. I’m walking to assure that when they need help, they will be able to get it from ALS United of Georgia. I am walking to give them hope.

You may not know anyone with ALS, but you do know me, and I am asking for your support. Will you please consider joining me to make strides in the fight against ALS? You can join our team or make a gift to support our team. 

Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your generosity