ALS is a horrible disease that took my father when I was 12. When other kids were playing videos games and talking about sports, it was hard for me to relate. I want to use poetry to share with others how all of this affected me.”

Having a parent with ALS has been really tough on me, but I still try to be thankful for the good things I have in life. I try to remind myself to be grateful for each day and focus on the positive. I’m excited to be part of ALSO US and work to raise awareness of this disease.”

A few years ago I lost my fourth family member to ALS. It was hard for me to deal with so I went to see my school therapist who recommended that I start to write about what I had been going through. Shortly after, I realized that turning my writing into film was the most therapeutic way for me to share my family’s story.”

I didn’t really understand what ALS was when my dad got diagnosed, but now I know how sad this disease really is. Getting more involved in the ALS community has helped me cope, but I’m also looking forward to writing about what I’ve gone through and how it has affected me.”

My mom’s diagnosis flipped my world upside down – in both a bad and good way. Every day I wish my mom was still here, but I am thankful that it was she who brought me so many different people and opportunities. I’m proud to be sharing my story to help others who have had a loved one with ALS. Having this experience made me grow up really fast, so for all of the young people going through this, my advice is to remember that you’re still a kid, and you still have to go out and be a kid sometimes.”