In this heartfelt episode, we meet the individuals behind Always Lifting Spirits, Chair Force 1 Foundation, Operation Ramp It Up, Que4Care and the Cincinnati Reds — a community who turned their ALS grief into life-changing support for others. From accessible vans to wheelchair ramps to lift chairs and patient care, these local nonprofits are honoring those they've lost to ALS, by providing crucial support to ALS families.  Although their capacities so far only allow them to meet the needs of local families, it's a beautiful example of what happens when we lead with love, faith and community.  These four Ohio/Kentucky based foundations have also formed a powerful partnership with the Cincinnati Reds for Lou Gehrig Day on June 2nd.   All MLB teams will be hosting their own Lou Gehrig Day on or around June 2nd as well.  Thanks for listening to this story of legacy, love, and community in action. Hugs, Lorri

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Here, Elin Adcock shares her powerful journey through her husband’s ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnoses—and how she’s now leading the charge to support families facing the same fight.  When Elin's husband, Larry was diagnosed with both ALS and FTD, her world changed forever.  In this episode, Elin shares how she navigated the overwhelming challenges of caregiving through two devastating and progressive diseases—often without a clear roadmap or coordinated support. After her husband’s passing, Elin turned her grief into action, becoming a fierce advocate for families facing similar dual diagnoses. Her story is one of love, resilience, and the power of transforming personal loss into lasting impact. Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone seeking hope amid hardship, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a call for greater awareness.  Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.  Hugs, Lorri!

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When faced with an ALS diagnosis, finding trustworthy information shouldn't add to your burden. This episode introduces a groundbreaking solution born from one son's love for his father.

Vikram Bhaskaran takes us through the painful journey that sparked innovation – watching his father battle ALS in India while struggling to access reliable information and expertise. The stark contrast between his Silicon Valley tech job, where brilliant minds created seamless user experiences, and the "dark ages" of health information access, drove him to action. The result? ROON.

Roon addresses the three dimensions of living with ALS – medical knowledge, practical daily concerns, and the emotional/existential questions that arise. Through short, digestible videos, users can find answers to questions they might never get to ask during brief clinical appointments.

This episode offers a masterclass in turning personal tragedy into purpose. Beyond highlighting a valuable resource for the ALS community, it demonstrates how technology, when designed with genuine empathy, can create what Vikram beautifully describes as "a doctor friend who has your back."

Download Roon to experience this sanctuary of knowledge, where the burden of searching for reliable information is lifted, and a community of experts and fellow patients are ready to help.  Thanks for sharing with a friend. Hugs, Lorri

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What happens when you learn that your DNA carries the same mutation that led to a loved one’s battle with ALS? In this episode, I sit down with Mindy Uhrlaub, who discovered she is a carrier of the C9orf72 gene—the most common genetic cause of ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia. Mindy shares her emotional journey of genetic testing, the weight of living in the unknown and the unique challenges that come with being pre-symptomatic.

We dive into the mental and emotional impact of her hereditary disease, the stigma surrounding genetic conditions, and how humor, advocacy and community can help navigate these uncertainties. Mindy also talks about her work with End the Legacy, a patient led organization dedicated to the needs and interests of the Genetic ALS & FTD community.

This powerful conversation is a reminder that while genetics may shape our path, they don’t define who we are. Tune in for an honest, hopeful discussion about fear, resilience and finding purpose in the face of the unknown.  Listen in and share with a friend.  Hugs, Lorri

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Welcome to "I'm Dying to Tell You," where we shine a light on resilience and hope.  In this special episode, we’re celebrating six years of I AM ALS, an organization created for patients, by patients.

Why is this so important? Because for far too long, those most impacted by ALS weren’t leading the charge in our collective mission for a cure. But I AM ALS changed the game. By putting patients at the forefront, they are not only better equipped to serve the ALS community, but we’re operating on the ALS clock—pushing for accelerated progress every single day.

Today, I’m thrilled to chat with four incredible volunteers, Tim Abeska, Randy Gregory Jr., Cristy Hardin & Deb Winters about how I AM ALS continues to be driven by patient voices, advocating, empowering, and fighting to make ALS a thing of the past. We'll dive into the work of the I AM ALS Community Teams, their ongoing efforts, and how YOU can get involved in this powerful movement.

So, listen in and be inspired to join these teams of patients, caregivers, and advocates who prove that the impossible is possible—every single day.  Thank you for sharing this celebration.  Hugs, Lorri

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Here I chat with Dr. Richard Bedlack, a neurologist known not only for his relentless ALS research but also for his unique style. This episode unfolds the fascinating story of how an encounter with legendary designer Manuel Cuevas led to the creation of a special jacket that embodies Dr. Bedlack's fight against ALS. We also celebrate the powerful alliances formed through advocacy, as highlighted by a heartfelt recognition from Zac Brown Band's John Driskell Hopkins. I loved hearing him talk about how fashion, music and medicine are all playing a part in the battle against ALS.

For 24 years, Dr. Bedlack of the Duke ALS Clinic has been at the forefront of ALS research, driven by a childhood fascination with the brain. His journey has been marked by pivotal moments that shaped his dedication to building a program offering hope and options for ALS patients.  Here, Dr. Bedlack reflects on the significance of HOPE, not only as a treatment strategy but as a vital component of navigating life with ALS.  

Dr. Bedlack also shares his learnings after studying the 62 known cases of ALS reversals.  This episode is a testament to the relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow, where there is a world without ALS.  Listen in and share with a friend.  Hugs, Lorri

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Imagine facing a life-changing ALS diagnosis and tackling it with resilience and positivity. That’s what Johnny Rodriguez, a 35-year-old high school lacrosse coach, husband, and father, has done. Johnny’s story is one of inspiration, determination, and the power of community. From playing lacrosse in Hawaii to mentoring athletes at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, he pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with ALS.

Johnny’s support network and the lacrosse community have been vital in fueling his fight. As a coach, he not only develops athletes but also teaches life skills and resilience. With a holistic approach to managing ALS—including ice baths, meditation, and advocacy through Athletes vs ALS—Johnny exemplifies hope, unity, and perseverance. His journey reminds us of the strength in community and the relentless pursuit of life’s possibilities. Listen in and share with a friend. Hugs, Lorri

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What if two young siblings could inspire an entire community to rally against a devastating disease? Brady and Brooklyn Yozwiak from Hudson, Ohio, are doing just that with their initiative, Clayton Rakes. Their story begins with a deeply personal journey, motivated by their father Chris's battle with ALS. Sadly, Chris passed away in early 2024, but these incredible kids, aged just 11 and 8, have turned their grief into action by raising substantial funds for ALS research through their leaf-cleaning enterprise. Tune in to learn how their heartfelt mission is making waves, proving that age is no barrier to making a significant impact.

From neighborhood events featuring merchandise tables, food trucks, and entertainment, the Yozwiak siblings have mastered the art of community outreach, having raised nearly $330,000 so far.  Join us as we hear Brady & Brooklyn talk about community support and how friends, family, and neighbors have rallied around their cause. Hear the powerful lessons they've learned about resilience, creativity, and leadership in the face of adversity. Their commitment to support ALS research is powerful, as they continue to build on their father's legacy and encourage others to join them in the fight against ALS.  Thank you for sharing this precious chat with a friend and visiting their fundraising page directly supporting the ALS Therapy Development Institute.  Hugs, Lorri

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"LUKi and the Lights" is not just an animated short film; it's a beacon for children trying to grasp the complexities of ALS. Inspired by the real-life journey of Anjo Snijders and Sascha Groen, this episode unravels how their personal ALS/MND experiences fueled the creation of a groundbreaking resource for families worldwide.  Hear how the layers of creativity, medical accuracy, and emotional authenticity make this film a vital tool for understanding ALS/MND.

Meet my insightful guests — Toby Cochran, Adrian Ochoa, and Dr. Melinda Kavanaugh — who reveal the unexpected journey behind this project. Dr. Kavanaugh shares her unique path into the collaboration, while Toby and Adrian discuss how this team navigated challenges to create a story that resonates globally and transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Their dedication ensures the film retains its heartfelt essence and medical integrity, proving invaluable for children and families.

Beyond the screen, "LUKi and the Lights" is making waves with its global reach and festival appearances, even vying for Oscar consideration.   As a follow-up to this episode, we invite you to participate in a Special Virtual Screening, Tuesday, November 12th at 7pm EST, where you can connect with the creators and delve deeper into the mission of spreading ALS awareness. Join us in supporting this initiative by visiting Global Neuro YCare’s website to help bring LUKi's message to families worldwide.  Thank you for sharing LUKi with your friends and family.  If it's on your heart to review this episode to help share LUKi, thank you for doing so!

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To celebrate Episode 100 of this podcast, here I chat with 100-year-old Mildred Kirschenbaum.  Mildred has become a social media star and is happily sharing some life lessons of her ten decades.  She not only became an author at 100, Mildred entertains over 100,000 on TikTok and Instagram.  Her videos have been featured on mainstream media outlets like the Today Show, CBS and Fox.  Mildred and her daghter Gayle collaborated on a book, Mildred’s Mindset: Wisdom from a Woman Centenarian, a 76-page self-published book that melds anecdotes, photos, and life advice.  In Mildred's book, readers embark on a journey through the extraordinary life lessons of a centenarian whose vitality and wisdom defy age.  The New York-born Kirschenbaum became a viral sensation almost immediately by being herself and sharing what she has learned over the past 100 years.  I was so grateful to ask her about the what she believes is most important in life and of course what she's "Dying To Tell" us.  Mildred stands as a testament to the power of embracing life's joys, fostering connections, and approaching each day with unwavering zest.  Enjoy and thank you for listening.  Hugs, Lorri

Thank you for celebrating this special milestone by inviting your friends to listen in.  If you love listening to this podcast, please leave a rating & review by scrolling down my show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review” here.

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