Our Story
Brian Wallach was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 37, on the day his newborn daughter came home from the hospital. He and his wife Sandra Abrevaya knew there was no time to waste—for them or the hundreds of other families facing an ALS death sentence. They founded I AM ALS in 2019 out of the hope that, together, we can revolutionize how we cure ALS.
We use political organizing methodology to give those impacted by this devastating, isolating disease a community and a purpose.
I AM ALS is now a national movement of people living with and impacted by ALS, leveraging their expertise to change policy, multiply research funding, and speed access to treatments.
Photo credit: Julie Dietz
Hear us. See us. Join us.
Founded by patients, for patients, I AM ALS mobilized a community movement of people impacted by and highly motivated to end this disease. This community has become the largest driver of change and research dollars in the U.S. For decades, federal funding for ALS research was flat, with just $57 million allocated annually—until I AM ALS was born. We became a force multiplier, generating $1+ billion for ALS since 2019.
I AM ALS is fueled by an urgency to find treatments and a cure. Our community is disrupting the status quo and harnessing the grit, urgency, and energy to make change. I AM ALS will continue to be driven by patients’ voices to advocate, empower, educate and amplify progress until the change we demand is realized—until ALS is no more. We invite you to learn more and join us.
Help Us Build the ALS Caucus
The ALS Congressional Caucus is a bipartisan group of champions on Capitol Hill who work with the community to lead the Congressional movement to end ALS. Building the ALS Caucus will absolutely impact the outcomes of policy. Contact your elected officials today to encourage them to join the ALS Caucus!
How I AM ALS Has Changed the Landscape
Since 2019, I AM ALS has acted as a community-led, convening force and multiplier. By mobilizing a national grassroots movement powered by people living with ALS, their loved ones, caregivers, and allies, we advocate for urgent, systemic change in how we diagnose, treat, support, and ultimately cure ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
I AM ALS leveraged a novel approach to change—we mobilized a community to take action and solve the big challenges. Here’s how we did it and what we offer:
Community-Led Advocacy
I AM ALS has galvanized a community of people living with and impacted by ALS. Thanks to their urgency, our community has completed more than 300,000 actions, including letters to policymakers, story-sharing, and community-led events. Take action and make change happen here.
Peer-Led Support and Resources
I AM ALS’ support model offers virtual groups, meetups, and events to meet the needs of the community, as well as the largest patient-led advocacy movement that is harnessing collective power to fund treatments and cures, while also creating lasting, systemic change. Connect with peer support here.
Our Online Resource Center is your centralized, one-stop hub for all the things you need to navigate ALS.
Volunteer-Led Community
At I AM ALS, our superpower is our people. I AM ALS empowers advocates to volunteer in a variety of ways – from leading key initiatives and driving action to participating on community team calls to digital petitions and actions. Anyone can volunteer and be a part of the movement. Find your community.
What’s Next: More Access to Therapies for People Living with ALS…
In order to continue to make progress toward a cure and ensure access to therapies for people living with ALS now, we must:
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Protect and increase funding for ALS research and experimental treatment access.
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Reauthorize the ACT for ALS in 2026 to continue to get therapies to people who need them.
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Create a new regulatory pathway to allow for expedited approvals to promising treatments.
How do we get there?
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Mobilize and grow the movement. Cultivate new ALS caucus members and legislative champions. Support and organize community advocates. Activate more people nationwide to get involved and join this movement!
- Increase awareness & visibility of the ALS experience. Draw attention to the ALS experience—including veterans, caregivers, and other populations impacted by this disease. Educate providers and other stakeholders. Amplify ALS stories and those who share them.
…And Building Authentic, Patient-Led Support and Community
We’ll continue to create a patient-led community for support and connection, just as we’ve done for more than 3,400 people. From peer mentoring to advocacy teams, we turn isolation into empowerment.
We also offer hope through action. Our community makes systemic change happen—passing laws, holding regulators accountable, and shifting the ALS landscape for generations to come.
Finally, we’ll continue to lead the broader neurodegenerative disease community. With an established reputation as a critical mobilizer, I AM ALS is replicating our success as a force multiplier in ALS for all neurodegenerative diseases.
I AM ALS launched the Cures Collective in 2024 to unify neurodegenerative diseases, accelerate the path to treatments, and improve access to care through collaboration and sustained mobilization and public awareness. Learn more.