Ashley Yoder

Donate to me

$1,135.23

Raised

$2,500.00

Goal

Of Goal

Working & Walking to Defeat ALS in my Mom's memory

Event:	Twin Cities Walk
Date:	Saturday, September 7, 2024
Team:	ALS Association Staff Team

What was supposed to be a short job fighting back against one of the diseases that took my Mother and best friend, has turned into a beautiful 9 year career. Celebrating this work anniversary has evoked extra emotions, as it will also be the 10 year angel anniversary of Mom’s passing this December. I’ve been going through old photos and files from that tumultuous 18 months and reliving some of the trauma. While I feel the deep sadness of missing her every day, I also feel proud of myself for surviving that period and giving her the best care I could at such a young age. The mountains of legal paperwork, medical bills, care facilities, day-to-day needs and emotional toll was a lot – and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world – except to have had a cure for this disease.

Now 9 years into meeting hundreds of families who have traveled this similar road, my passion for this cause is even stronger.

The estimated annual cost of living with ALS is $250,00/year – who has that kind of money laying around. So our organization provides countless services completely free of charge – from durable medical equipment, to home modifications, support group and communication devices.

While not a rare disease, it’s an undeserved and devastating disease. So we’re pushing for local, state and federal advocacy to support people, battle unfair insurance deficits, and increase research funding.

And research – it’s come a long way thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge and the $115 million raised. But there are still just TWO drugs on the market to slow the progression of ALS and maybe give people a few more months, maybe. We need more shots on goal, drugs in bodies, clinical trial sites, research participant, worldwide collaboration and funding to find meaningful treatments and eventually a cure.

Every dollar adds up to making a difference, so thank you for your continued support of my fundraising campaign and thank you for supporting me in this career.