Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community Members,
After four years of successful grassroots impact as an independent initiative, Rise Against ALS, Inc., proudly announces its official incorporation as a new nonprofit organization.
I founded Rise Against ALS as a branded initiative in 2021 to raise funds for ALS ONE, and since its inception, we have raised over $150,000 through various fundraisers that have supported their mission. I am so incredibly proud of the impact we have made over the years and immensely grateful to all who have helped along the way.
As a person living with ALS for over seven years, I know that I have beaten the odds, as the average lifespan after diagnosis is just 2 to 5 years. I still live on the “ALS clock”—one that ticks much faster than the average person—but I do so with hope, and I know that together, we can help all others living with ALS beat the odds too. This transformation from initiative to an independent nonprofit will enable us to create a sustainable structure as we move from fundraiser to entity to expand our reach and increase our impact. As a dedicated nonprofit, we can create new opportunities for community engagement, advocacy, and support. The incorporation will allow us to grow our mission to increase awareness about ALS, to advocate for and support research, and to provide resources to improve and enrich the lives of those living with the disease and their families. This includes raising funds to support ALS clinics for patient care, supporting research for a cure, and promoting educational and care initiatives that empower those living with the disease.
To guide our mission, we have assembled a Board of Directors with a wealth of experience and a shared and inspired passion for the cause. Please join us in welcoming them:
- Michelle Strojny, President: Diagnosed with ALS in 2018, Michelle started the Rise Against ALS initiative with her friends and family three years later. She is an editor with Simon & Schuster.
- Jennifer DiMartino, Clerk: Having led ALS ONE as the Executive Director for the past decade, Jen brings immeasurable compassion, connection, and leadership, and remains deeply dedicated to championing research, care, community, and hope.
- Alana Andrews, Treasurer: Alana currently serves as Director of Business Operations at Baystate Wine and Spirits.
- Emily Downing-Mahli, Director: Emily is an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She currently works at Cedars-Sinai, where she provides outpatient neuropalliative care to those living with serious neurological illnesses.
- Lauren Richardson, Director: Lauren has 25 years of experience as a licensed social worker and currently works with elders supporting their individual needs.
- Belinda Bast, Director: Belinda is the vice president of a wealth management company, providing tax and accounting services for high-net-worth individuals, entities, and foundations.
- Jack Strojny, Director: Jack is sophomore at the University of Connecticut studying biology. His passion for advocacy and fundraising came after his mother was diagnosed with ALS.
- Srikanth “Sri” Vedachalam, DO, Director: Sri is a practicing interventional pulmonologist and critical care physician. He recently took a position as Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Our application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is currently pending with the IRS, and we are excited to formalize our commitment to this work. While we await approval, please know that we are fully committed to our mission.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Our goal is to give those living with ALS agency over their disease by uniting patients, families, and healthcare professionals to help them live their best lives until there is a cure. We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together as Rise Against ALS.
With deep gratitude,
Rise Against ALS! 