A Community That Shows Up
Behind every service, every moment of support, and every family navigating life with ALS, there is a community that chooses to show up—again and again. Donors, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters across Arizona form the heartbeat of ALS Arizona, making it possible for families to feel supported not just in moments of crisis, but every day of the year.
At a recent fundraising event held during the University of Arizona Disabled Sports Basketball Tournament, one of our community members, Berenice, shared what living with ALS truly feels like.
“My name is Berenice. I am a daughter, mother, and wife. This is me explaining living with ALS.”
She described ALS not as a single moment, but as a series of daily realities—each one requiring effort most people never have to think about.
“With ALS, every physical and cognitive function requires noticeable effort and energy. Walking, speaking, breathing, thinking, eating—each activity demands exertion, and I am consistently aware of this drain.”
Her words offered a powerful reminder of why community matters. Living with ALS means navigating constant decisions, medical appointments, adaptive equipment, and an ongoing need to preserve both energy and dignity.
“As my family and I coordinated my care, ensuring both quality and dignity of life became a primary focus.”
That’s where community support becomes life-changing. Berenice shared how knowing she could rely on ALS Arizona made difficult decisions feel less overwhelming.
“Relying on ALS Arizona has been instrumental for me. Their extensive experience and dedicated support to the ALS community are invaluable resources, particularly when facing difficult decisions both now and in the future.”
Stories like Berenice’s reflect the real impact of generosity and service. Donors help ensure support is available. Volunteers create welcoming spaces and moments of connection. Supporters show up—not just at events, but in meaningful ways that sustain families every day.
What makes this community special is the shared belief that no one should face ALS alone. Support isn’t transactional—it’s personal. Every act of generosity creates a ripple effect, reaching individuals living with ALS, caregivers who give endlessly of themselves, and families learning how to adapt to life with this disease.