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The Young Faces of ALS

The YFALS Campaign was created by a small group of people living with ALS today who all share a disturbing characteristic - they all received their diagnosis before their 30th birthday. Most emphasis on ALS is placed on those that develop the disease during midlife, and before YFALS there was no national public recognition of the youth battling ALS. The campaign was created as a community for young patients of ALS as well as young family and friends affected by the disease. YFALS has become a catalyst for accelerating research at the ALS TDI through fundraising events.

  • Corey Reich

    Piedmont, California

    • 24 year old ALS Patient
    • Diagnosed at age 21
    • Currently the assistant tennis coach for Piedmont High School (video tribute)
    • Raised $1 million for research
    • Attended SF Giants and LA Angeles July 4th Games in 2009 as part of 4ALS campaign (video)
    • Stephen Heywood Award 2009 (video)
    • ALSCommunity.org Page
    • Games Attended
      • May 23, 2010 - San Francisco Giants
      • May 26, 2010 - Oakland A's
      • June 28, 2010 - San Diego Padres

    "For 70 years Lou Gehrig has been the face of ALS. Sadly, in that time, not a single effective therapeutic has been discovered and most Americans know little to nothing about the disease. It is time to put a new, younger, face on the disease. I hope to be that face, and raise not only awareness, but also the funding necessary to put an end to ALS."

  • Melissa Erickson

    Seattle, Washington
    "ALS is a disease that doesn't draw much attention because it is perceived as your grandfather's disease. A sickness that affects a man that has lived a full life. It is quite the opposite. It touches the lives of young people every day. This debilitating, cruel and inhumane disease deserves your attention. We deserve a cure."

  • Ian Hogg

    Birmingham, Alabama

    • 28 year old ALS Patient
    • Diagnosed upon return from Iraq War at age of 26
    • US Marine Corp. Sergeant
    • Married with two young daughters
    • Eager to take an active role as advocate for ALS research
    • Working through connections to get to testify before Congress
    • Games Attending
      • August 28, 2010 - Atlanta Braves

    "When I returned home from Iraq I thought I was done fighting. Now, I am fighting for my life against an enemy that has been killing for over 70 years. We cannot win this fight alone. I am dedicated to seek out anyone who will stand by us as we wage war on this deadly disease."

  • Alyssa Reardon

    Plantation, Florida

    • 24 year old ALS patient
    • Diagnosed at age 20
    • Pictured with sister and two brothers (she is second from the right)
    • Involved in MDA and ALS Association
    • Designed women shoes called "Red Alerts" as well as men and women Scrubs which raise awareness for ALS and proceeds go to the ALS Clinic at Emory
    • Games Attending
      • July 27, 2010 - Texas Rangers
      • August 28, 2010 - Atlanta Braves

    "I was 20yrs old, NOT even legally allowed to drink alcohol, but I was allowed to be diagnosed with a terminal illness without hope! Doesn't seem right does it? People are being diagnosed with ALS younger and younger everyday. If we do not find a cure soon, forget about saving money for your child's college fund, your daughter's wedding or your own retirement. You're going to need every penny for their medical expenses, making your house accessible for someone who is in a wheelchair, hospital bed etc. In this economy millions have lost their jobs and health insurance. ALS without insurance=BANKRUPTCY! Help us stop this disease before it becomes an epidemic!"

  • Alex Grausnick

    Shoreview, Minnesota

    "When I first got diagnosed it was a smack right in the face. I went from wondering what I would do that summer to wondering if I would even go to college. But I've read a lot about the effects of positive thinking, and it's helped make me feel better."

  • Megan Mishork

    San Francisco, California
    Born 1986, Died 2011

    "My last uncle died just 3 years ago", she shared. "It has not skipped a generation in our family from as far back as we have researched."

  • Timothy LaFollette

    Greensboro, North Carolina
    Born 1979, Died 2011

  • Michael Winston

    Mendota Heights, Minnesota

    "After many tests the doctor said, 'With these results, I would say you have Lou Gehrig's disease but you are too young for that.' He sent me to Mayo Clinic.

    (Mayo Clinic, October 1, 2008) He came into the room...We got the news we dreaded. I have ALS. What happens next is the difference between ALS and any other disease. When a doctor diagnoses a person with cancer, diabetes, heart disease or whatever, the next part of the conversation is 'What do we do about it?' whether it be surgery, chemotherapy or medication. When a person is diagnosed with ALS, the only thing a doctor can say is 'I'm sorry.'"

  • Kristen Sauer

    Waupun, Wisconsin

    • Diagnosed with ALS in 2001 at 24 years old
    • She was told that she was pregnant the same day that she was told she had ALS
    • Owns/operates a successful DVD transfer business from home, despite having lost her ability to speak
    • Games Attended
      • July 5, 2010 - Chicago White Sox

    "I was just beginning a new stage in my life as a wife and mother when ALS cut me off at the knees."
 
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