Mary Alice with her husband, Holt. (Photo courtesy of Mary Alice Poling) This is Mary Alice Poling’s story: My name is Mary Alice Poling and my son, Seth, who is 37 years old, has ALS. He has been living with ALS for nine years. If I’m truthful,…
ALS Awareness Month

Throughout May, ALS News Today is recognizing ALS Awareness Month with various stories that represent different perspectives on life with ALS that we hope to help inspire and empower our readers. These stories highlight some of the unique challenges of living with ALS, as well as stories of hope and inspiration and other topics that help to generate awareness among the ALS community. Follow along with the series here or visit us on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #ALSSpotlight.
Our first holiday since my tracheotomy. My wife ordered these shirts while I was in the ICU. Since then, these shirts have become a part of who we are. We now are selling them on our website. Love. (Photos courtesy of Brian Jeansonne) This is Brian Jeansonne’s story: I’m…
Britley Wells and Brian Jeansonne. (Photo courtesy of Britley Wells) This is Britley Wells’ story: Hi there! My name is Britley Wells, and I am a trauma intensive care registered nurse at University Medical Center New Orleans. In early January, I had the privilege of meeting the…
Mary Kate Karam and Brian Jeansonne at Jazz Fest 2023, watching Mumford & Sons, Trombone Shorty, and John Batiste. Incredibly hot, but incredibly fun! (Photo courtesy of Mary Kate Karam) This is Mary Kate Karam’s story: Brian Jeansonne, a father of five, was diagnosed…
Jodi O’Donnell-Ames founded Hope Loves Company after losing her husband to ALS. (Courtesy of Jodi O’Donnell-Ames) This is Jodi O’Donnell-Ames’ story: The term amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was not a part of my vocabulary until May 1995. That’s when my husband, Kevin O’Donnell, was diagnosed with…
John Russell, his wife, Judy, left, and sister, Irene, in Vero Beach, Florida, in March 2020. (Photo courtesy of John Russel) This is John Russell’s story: I am one of the more fortunate people who have been diagnosed with ALS. I noticed difficulties with gait and balance in…
Photos courtesy of Sarah Nauser. This is Sarah Nauser’s story: My name is Sarah Nauser and I was diagnosed with ALS in May 2018, at age 29. I grew up a huge Kansas City Royals baseball fan. As a teenager, after softball practice, my best friend and I…
Tony Pripusich and his daughter, Sabrina Johnson. (Photo courtesy of Sabrina Johnson) This is Sabrina Johnson’s story: As a little girl, I always envisioned life as a mom. I grew up babysitting, enjoyed caring for younger cousins at family parties, and felt as if looking out for others just…
The Poling family. From left, Liam, Erika, Bayler, and Seth. (Photos courtesy of Seth Poling) This is Seth Poling’s story: Hello, my name is Seth Poling, and I’m a 36-year-old husband to my beautiful wife, Erika, and a father of two sons, Liam and Bayler. I live in Morgantown,…
From left, Eric, Allie and Logan Coultas. (Photos courtesy of Allie Coultas) This is Allie Coultas’ story: My name is Allie, and I am a 32-year-old artist, wife, and mother. My husband, Eric, is 36, and my son, Logan, is 5. Eric was 33 when he was diagnosed…
Recent Posts
- Feeding wildlife reminded me what’s important in life after ALS
- Inflammatory bacterial sugar in gut may drive ALS risk: Study
- A dream takes me back to a time before life with ALS
- ALS ONE joining ALS Network to strengthen research, services
- Rollator revamp needed because design matters for living well with ALS