ALS patient’s story to be highlight of Atlanta Night of Hope Gala
The event, held March 15 to raise funds for research, is marking its 18th year
This year’s Atlanta Night of Hope Gala will showcase how patient April Byars has been navigating life since her ALS diagnosis.
The gala, which is hosted by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to raise funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research is now in its 18th year. This year’s event will take place March 15 at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta and will also honor the Choate Construction Company as a founding sponsor and supporter.
The gala will feature a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, a live auction, and dancing. Prices for individual tickets start at $375. The gala has become one of the country’s largest fundraisers to benefit research into ALS, raising more than $12 million since its inception.
This year’s event will feature the story of Byars, her husband Guy, and their three children, who will be recognized with the 2025 Night of Hope Mission Impact Family.
“Receiving an ALS diagnosis is a life-altering moment, but we’ve found strength in the support from our community, the incredible care from the MDA/ALS Care Center at Emory University, and the hope that events like the MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala bring to families like ours,” Byars said in a press release from the MDA. “We are honored to share our journey at this year’s gala to raise awareness and funding for the fight against ALS.”
ALS is a disease that weakens muscles and makes movement more difficult over time. Everyday tasks like walking and eating become challenging. Available treatments can slow down how fast the disease progresses, but more research is needed to develop more effective medications or a cure.
Recognizing support for ALS patients
The event will also present founding sponsor Choate Construction with the 2025 MDA Steve Ennis Hope Award in recognition of its corporate citizenship and commitment to helping advance research and care for the ALS community.
The award is named after Steve Ennis, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. His daughter, Holly Proctor, started the gala in 2006 with her husband, Palmer, to raise funds and awareness for ALS, and to honor Ennis’ strength, determination, and hope throughout his ALS journey.
“We are deeply honored to receive the 2025 Steve Ennis Hope Award. Mr. Ennis’ legacy is one of faith and determination, serving as a beacon of hope and a reminder that we are not defined by what happens to us, but by how we choose to move forward in the face of life-altering challenges,” said Matt Brewer, Choate’s president and CEO. “While we remain steadfast in our commitment to help fight this disease, the real heroes are the families, caregivers, researchers, and patients who face the challenges of ALS head on every day. We are proud to fight alongside them and the MDA in the mission to find a cure.”
“ALS is a devastating disease that affects not only patients but entire families, said John Sellers, with DirectTV, one of the gala’s sponsors. Sellers is cochairing this year’s executive committee with his wife, Rebecca. “Together, we are not only raising awareness, but also providing hope for the countless individuals and families affected by ALS,” he said.
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