My name is Willard Blackwell. I was diagnosed with ALS in May of 2022. I had fallen while playing pickleball, which prompted the doctors to investigate my symptoms. As a professional singer and musician leading the Gator Nation Band, I have encountered daily challenges due to the loss of full use of my hands or legs. I no longer perform with my band but recently sang with friends. I still try to do the things I love as long as they don't worsen my symptoms. I have learned about conserving energy, and I try not to overexert myself so I can keep moving forward. I find joy in music and comedies – anything that brings a smile to my face. This experience with ALS has taught me a lot about maintaining a positive attitude while battling this terrible disease. Initially, I was reluctant to ask for help. My friend, Kathleen, noticed my hesitation and called in my soul tribe because she knew I needed more assistance. I understand that seeking help can be difficult, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. We don't have to go through this alone. It's much better to have support to help you navigate your way.
If you feel that I can support you on your journey, please connect with me on Fireside Chats.

My name is McFinn Lovere. My experience of reversing my ALS put me on the
path to being of service to others with this devastating disease. At my weakest point I was only able to move two fingers and my head. I know what 24-hour daycare means. I have experienced the feelings you take on from isolation. I had one caregiver who was excellent. I had another caretaker who looked at it as a job, not compassionate service. It is so important for your mental stability to have someone caring for you who understands the stress ALS creates for pALS and their families. I hope my and my family's experiences will help relieve some of the Stress ALS brings into your life.

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Your Everything ALS Pathfinder, McFinn, is reaching out; reach back. mcfinn@everythingals.org

My Name is Faith Oremland. My son was diagnosed with ALS in January 2022.

If you are dealing with the challenges of being a parent to a child with ALS, issues with family communications, and learning how to live positively in the face of ALS. Being an Everything ALS Pathfinder gives me the opportunity to help others on our ALS journey. You are not alone!

It's about sharing our stories, listening to each other, providing helpful information, and being there with compassion and love. "I am committed to doing whatever possible to help my son and other people with ALS and their families live their best lives. We can do this working together with hope and positivity!"

My career was in health data information systems. I am an amateur storyteller of tales that teach life lessons. I love working with the people at Everything ALS and also volunteer with Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) Mothers of ALS and the I Am ALS Legislative Affairs Team. Please get in touch with me at faith@everythingals.org

These days, I live a purpose-driven life! I do what I can…WHILE I CAN!

If I can make your journey any easier, or if you have any questions, let me help you find answers. My hope is to be the resource you need.

I spent 15 years in radio and 25 years in the Music Industry (in Nashville). Through the years, I’ve worked in Finance and Real Estate and owned a bakery! Currently, I live in Baton Rouge, LA.

That was what I DID…it wasn’t WHO I AM! I was diagnosed with ALS in 2012…thankfully, it’s a very slow-progressing form. When ALS took my speaking (I slur!), my whole world changed, and I lost my career. For a guy who’s always made his living talking…this is a difficult pill to swallow. But I am more than just my diagnosis! My skill set can STILL be put to good use! Even though MY speech is failing, I try to give ALS Patients a voice!

My name is Monica Martinez, and I live in Texas. At 48, I was diagnosed with Bulbar Onset ALS. In late 2019, I noticed trouble enunciating words, which soon turned into
slurred speech.

As a police officer, my voice was crucial. One day, after speaking on the radio, a fellow officer texted me, asking if I had been drinking because I sounded drunk. This prompted me to seek medical advice.
 

After years of seeing various doctors and undergoing speech therapy, in March 2023, my neurologist gave me devastating news: "Monica, you will never be able to carry your firearm again." I was bewildered. "Monica, you have Bulbar Onset ALS. I'm so sorry. You should get your affairs in order."

The diagnosis of ALS was heartbreaking, but giving up my career was even harder. At 49, I was forced into early retirement after 24 years of service.
 

Since my diagnosis, I found solace in the ALS community, realizing I was not alone. This new family provided support, and I reciprocated. Together, we are stronger.
 

Welcome to Pathfinders! We are here to support, guide, and walk with you on this journey. You are not alone! WE GOT THIS! TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER THAN ALS!

I can be reached at  monica@everythingals.org

My name is Ivonne Vaughn. On April 13, 2024, I was at a lovely church garden party. I tried to step up on a platform with my right leg, it was too weak to support me. I stepped down and stepped up with my left leg. On January 16, 2025, after four MRIs, two X-Rays, one muscle biopsy and three Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) I was diagnosed with limb onset ALS. The Doctor said, “you have ALS,” I said I know I have A Loving Savior. He smiled and said no Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. On the 2.5-hour drive back to our home my husband told me he was 99% certain it was ALS months earlier. He knew about ALS; I had much to learn. I threw myself into getting educated and learning all I could about ALS, available ALS resources/organizations and how to live and accept the incremental changes I was experiencing. I did this by attending a plethora of ALS groups and webinars. In ALS support groups, I see I am not alone and learn about living everyday with ALS. My goal is to help and encourage those with ALS (pALS), those caring for ALS loved ones (cALS) and to share the HOPE I have in my ALS journey. We all need good listeners in our lives. As a Pathfinder, I am here to listen, support, and encourage you.

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"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." - Aristotle
 

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." - Maya Angelou

I can be reached at ivonne@everythingals.org

Hi, I’m Chris. I’ve been living with a rare, slower-progressing form of familial ALS since 2014. The name of my diagnosis has changed over time, but what hasn’t changed is learning how to live with it one day at a time.

My mom also had ALS, and I walked with her through her journey. At first, I tried to prepare for my own progression by comparing it to what I saw with her. Over time — especially through support groups — I came to understand something important: no two ALS journeys are the same.

Knowing this might be part of my future gave me the chance to prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally. We made some good decisions, and like most things in life, there are also things I would do differently. That’s part of the learning.

There are positive days and there are heavy days. That’s real. What I’ve learned is that no one should have to navigate those days alone. I’m here to listen, to talk, and to check in. Sometimes just knowing someone understands makes all the difference.

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Walking beside you — because none of us should face ALS alone.

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I can be reached at chris@everythingals.org

Hi, my name is Tim Fulham. I am from New Orleans, LA and attended school there.   After college, I taught high school biology for 8 years but eventually transitioned to a career in pharmaceutical & medical device sales, sales leadership and eventually sales training.   Over the years, my work gave me the opportunity to live in New Orleans, Connecticut, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Athens, Greece and London, England.  30+ years later I spent another year back in the high school classroom this time teaching biomedical science before my health forced me into retirement.  I have two adult sons, one daughter-in-law and one toddling grandson.

I enjoyed great health my entire life, until I was first diagnosed with PLS in March of 2024.   After seeing a neuromuscular specialist, my diagnosis was changed to ALS in January of 2025.  Becoming a pathfinder has given me the opportunity to share my journey in a way that can help others that have recently been diagnosed.   Every day, I am thankful to wake up and engage in a busy, love filled life focused on what I can still do, not what I’m losing the ability to do.   I hope that my experiences traveling along this road can help you with your journey.

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I can be reached at tim@everythingals.org

My name is John Hudacek. The day I received my diagnosis, I knew this could be the end or a new beginning. After spending the first three months being scared, I realized that the difference was in my mind and my attitude. So, I decided to look at this chapter of my life differently. Early on I saw that many of us pALS are looking for that ray of light breaking through the drizzling overcast. If you look hard enough, you will find it. I hope to share my life experience to help others find courage and resilience and develop the skills to help us cope while others find that cure. As a veteran, I can assist other vets find the resources that make a difference in this journey. I was diagnosed in November 2021 with a limb-onset, non-dominant arm. Slow progressing, just now starting to weaken my other arm. Now is the time to discover the hidden strength in each of us. I am honored to hold your hand on this journey. You can contact me at ​​johnhudacek@everythingals.org

My name is Kathleen McCallum, and for the past two years, I have been helping my friend Willard, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. I asked him if he wanted to do a documentary to help him navigate his ALS in a creative way and bring hope. Our Journey of Hope documented the positive steps we took to help Willard’s symptoms, extend his time, and detox his body in hopes of reversing his ALS symptoms.

Prior to helping Willard, I fought for my mother when she had breast cancer and, later, level 4 stomach cancer. At the end of her life, she also had Lewy Body Dementia. My dad had Alzheimer’s disease, and we participated in many Alzheimer’s fundraisers as well. I have studied alternative healing since the 1980s, and I am a certified microbiome nutritional coach.

My goal is to bring more hope to those suffering from this horrendous ALS disease and to bring more awareness about ALS to the world. There is hope, and if I can help provide it for you, please contact me at kathleen@everythingals.org

My name is Shawn Penno. I think my years of work in the field and advocating for workers will translate nicely into helping pALS with their journey. Please reach out if you need someone to 'vent' to, help with problems, or just someone to talk to alleviate the isolation.

I live in BC, Canada, and have been a care aide for 25 years, 2 in long-term care and the rest in the Community. I was diagnosed in September '23 with limb onset ALS after 16 months of 'investigating,' with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, and such.

The devastation of hearing THAT Dx—we were hoping for anything but that—really made me soul-search. Do I want to Drop everything and make a bucket list, or…I decided that my work is what really fulfills me; the gratitude I get from my clients is priceless. Work gives me the focus to stay positive and live in the moment.

Something I teach in my class is we want to "enable our clients, not disable them.” This has taken on a whole new meaning now that I'm the one becoming disabled! I WANT to do what I can while I still can! I even built my own wheelchair ramp right after my Dx while still having the arm strength to do it!

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I can be reached at shawn@everythingals.org

Siddu (Sridhar) Tummala is the CEO of Cresido Analytics. Here to support people in our community residing in India. If you live in India, please connect for support.

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Siddu can be reached at siddu@everythingals.org

My name is Anthony (Tony) Martin Varela. My better half is named Cheri and we live in Huntington Beach, California. I have two children and two grandchildren with one on the way!!
 

I am a retired Firefighter who worked for the City of Los Angeles. I worked 35 years before Retirement. I love outdoor activities and try to get out and enjoy the fresh air as often as I can.  I was diagnosed with ALS in April of 2023.  After two years of wondering why I was losing weight and strength, a paramedic friend told me to see a neurologist. After doing so, I received the bad news.   I keep a positive outlook as much as I can, but staying busy seems to keep my mind off of it and works the best. 

I am looking forward to helping in any way I can. I can be reached at tony@everythingals.org

My name is Cathy Cummins, like most pALS, I’ve lived an exciting and fulfilling life. And, I’m not done yet.

Diagnosed with PLS in 2005, then ALS in 2008, I began a healing journey. In 2004, with left leg symptoms, I needed crutches; in 2005, a chair; and by 2008, a power chair. 

As a chiropractor, professor, and elite athlete, my life changed dramatically, and I felt lost. In 2009, I passed out on stage while singing with my barbershop quartet.

Now, I have swallowing and autonomic issues. This journey is not easy. When I was diagnosed, my team rallied and created a plan that included a physical, chemical, and spiritual approach to healing.

I’ve learned so much about myself along the way. I feel like having ALS has offered me a path to discover what life is really about.

For me, it's been about balancing my energy, learning to adapt. This wasn’t possible for me to do alone. I believe we are on this journey for a reason, and we are stronger together. If you would like me to share your Journey. Reach out, and I will be a Pathfinder with you.

I can be reached at cathy@everythingals.org

Hi, my name is Wilbert Greenfield. I am 54 years of age living in Washington DC. Living with ALS has taught me resilience and the importance of cherishing every moment. I navigate daily tasks with creativity and adaptability, finding joy in small victories and milestones.

I am passionate about raising awareness for ALS, advocating for research funding, assistive technologies, and supporting fellow ALS warriors and their families. Through sharing my story and experiences, I strive to inspire hope and promote understanding of this complex disease.

My faith anchors me. When my body failed, I learned to rely on something greater. Surrendering to God’s will gave me a new freedom. My physical limitations stripped distractions, leaving me with a profound connection to Jesus. ALS taught me faith—trusting in His promises despite uncertainty. I find strength and peace in knowing my worth isn’t defined by my abilities, but by my identity in Christ. God’s plan is perfect, and His love is abundant.  My body may decline, but my spirit soars, supported by God’s unconditional love.

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I can be reached at will@everythingals.org