22nd Annual Research Update and Awards Luncheon

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 22nd Annual Research Update and Awards Luncheon held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Inn at Villanova. 

This event is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the current state of ALS research, find out about the activities of the ALS Hope Foundation, and for us to thank our wonderful supporters from throughout the year. We are grateful for the amazing level of support our community has shown our organization.

Thank you!

We were so pleased to have Dr. Kelly Gwathmey as our Keynote Speaker for this year's Research Update & Awards Luncheon. Dr. Kelly Gwathmey is an Associate Professor of Neurology and the Director of Clinical Trials in the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center, practicing at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In this video, Dr. Gwathmey discusses "The Rapid Access ALS Clinic Model: A Potential Solution to Address Diagnostic Delay in ALS." Click on the image below to watch her presentation.

Dr. Richard Bedlack, Associate Professor of Medicine/Neurology at Duke, Director of the Duke ALS Clinic, and Chief of Neurology at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, gave an update on our collaboration with ALS Untangled.

Dr. Terry Heiman-Patterson provided an update on the work of the ALS Hope Foundation, showcasing the three pillars of Care, Education and Research that the ALS Hope Foundation embodies.

A feature we returned to this year was highlighting some of the Clinical Research Projects research that are supported by the ALSHF through posters set up around the space.

We then took the opportunity to say Thank You to people or organizations that have supported the ALS Hope Foundation, especially over the past year.

Our first award, the Promise of Hope, goes to young people who are already making a difference in the ALS community despite their young age. Akshay Bharath has spent countless hours volunteering in the office and at events.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” ~Abraham Lincoln

Our Community of Hope awardees were recognized for their outstanding support and dedication to the ALSHF and included Mandi Bailey and Jill Brattain (Veteran’s ALS Action Committee), and the Fiordimondos (Green Star Exteriors).

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” ~Coretta Scott King

The Spirit of Hope Award recognizes the work of outstanding volunteers who went the extra mile for the ALSHF over the past year. We are extremely grateful for Jake Bedel-Franklin (Play Like a Champion), Warren Fairbanks (Colleen’s Classic Golf Tournament), Amy Fosco (Ongoing volunteer!), John Furey (True North Men’s Group), Donna Sickles (Duck ALS), and Tina Walp (Hike for Mike).

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead 

Next came our Courageous Heart awardees. The Courageous Heart Award goes to those who take on a proactive role in the fight against ALS, supporting others with ALS and the ALS Hope Foundation, while courageously battling ALS themselves. Our 2026 Courageous Hearts are Nancy Caldwell, Wendy Hendrickson, Doug Hill, Todd Kelly, Stacy Lewin Farber, Justin Ramirez, and Bob Spurrier.

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Finally, we presented our Sunrise Award to Greg Heydet Sr and Sara Feldman. The Sunrise Award goes to an individual or organization having demonstrated the highest level of commitment to supporting the ALS Hope Foundation through financial support and dedication to its mission. Greg and his wife Cindi have been longtime supporters of the ALSHF and most recently, Greg was a co-founder of the True North Men’s Group. Sara Feldman, PT, DPT, ATP, is retiring this year from the MDA/ALS Center of Hope after 32 years of providing compassionate care to people living with ALS and their families. She is recognized nationally and internationally for her passion for providing education to other health care professionals about ALS. 

“There never was a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.” ~Bernard Williams

It was an inspirational event and we all left with the knowledge that there truly are people out there who are working hard everyday to change the trajectory of ALS. We appreciate all of them!