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Volunteer of the Month

The ALS Association of Georgia proudly recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals making a significant impact in the lives of those affected by ALS. 

MARILYN LANGLEY, May 2008
Marilyn LangleyMarilyn Langley has been involved with the Association and in particular the Walk to Defeat ALS since 2005.  Her brother, Carlton was diagnosed in 2004 and she came onboard shortly after to help other struggling with this disease.  Even though Carlton lost his battle shortly after his diagnosis, Marilyn has made an extraordinary tribute to her brother’s memory by helping others affected by the disease.

In addition to be a team captain Marilyn has also served on the Walk to Defeat ALS steering committee helping to plan the behind the scenes aspects of the Walk.  Most recently, she has solicited signatures to support ALS specific legislation helping the Chapter to hand deliver over 800 letters to Senators Isakson and Chambliss for the National Public Policy Conference held in Washington DC in May. 

Marilyn is proud to support the Association in everything she does and tries to not only educate those she encounters, but also encourage them to become supporters themselves.  With the assistance of volunteers like Marilyn we will be able to assist countless other patients, like Carlton, to live with this disease until a cure is found.  

AMANDA MOWREY, April 2008

AmandaAmanda Mowrey became affiliated with the ALS Association of Georgia after her husband Jim was diagnosed with ALS in May of 2007.  Amanda has embraced volunteering with the Association and is eager to assist with a project no matter how large or small.   Most recently she has signed on as the Logistics Coordinator for the 2008 Walk to Defeat ALS, where she will lead a team of volunteers in planning the logistical aspects of this year’s Walk.  Her experience last year, as a volunteer and a team captain for her family team “The James Gang,” will make her a vital part of the success in this year’s Walk. 

Amanda’s volunteerism has also directly touched other patients as she has been integral in the wrapping holiday gifts for the children of ALS patients and in organizing pajamas for our female patients and caregivers.    Her compassion and commitment to those living with ALS is evident as she tirelessly volunteers week after week.

Amanda never loses sight of those who benefit from the work she is able to accomplish.  It is through volunteers like Amanda that we feel we are closer than ever to finding a cure.

ROB EBY, March 2008
Rob Eby became affiliated with the ALS Association of Georgia several years ago when his father, John, who lives out of state, was diagnosed with ALS.  Rob utilized the Association’s equipment loan closet when his Dad would visit Atlanta. 

Within the last year, Rob has become active with our volunteer program and has done tremendous things for ALS patients in Georgia by volunteering as the Ramp Build’s Crew Leader.  His expertise, which he learned from his father, has lead volunteer crews to build six handicap ramps throughout Metro Atlanta.  Rob’s efforts have made a significant impact in the lives of ALS patients, but also in the lives of volunteers who can take part in this process. 

One of these patients commented on Rob’s work by saying, “this ramp will give me easier access to getting in and out of my home.  He is truly a God send and has made my life so much easier.”  With Rob’s help, patients are able to maintain their independence for longer resulting in a higher quality of life. 

Rob’s father recently lost his battle with ALS, but Rob continues to be a supporter carrying on the skills his father taught him.  Thank you Rob for making such an impact in the lives of those with ALS!


JUDIE AND SID MCQUEEN, February 2008

Judie McQueen learned a great deal about ALS when her mother was diagnosed with the disease, but when her brother received the same devastating diagnosis she knew she had to get involved to make a difference.  Judie has recruited her husband Sid and the pair has been an integral part of the ALS Association of Georgia’s volunteer program.

 In particular, Judie and Sid have been a large part in the success of our special events through their planning and day of event volunteerism.  Judie prefers the Walk to Defeat ALS because she is inspired by the ALS patients leading their teams as the start of the Walk, while Sid, an avid golfer, prefers to help with the annual Kroger ALS golf tournament. The pair is proud to support the ALS Association of Georgia because “the staff looks for ways to provide for not only the people diagnosed with ALS, but their families as well.  They provide the opportunity to work with a great staff and volunteers who are all committed to finding a cure for ALS.”

Thank you Judie and Sid for volunteering to make a difference in the fight against ALS!

 DONNA FEREBEE, January 2008

Donna FerebeeDonna Ferebee became associated with the ALS Association of Georgia in September of 2005 when her husband Tom heard the devastating news, "Yes.  Mr. Ferebee, I am sorry to confirm that you do have ALS."

In the days that followed, The ALS Association of Georgia offered the family the information and support that was so desperately needed.  The Association provided them with a list of resources, equipment (walker, shower chair, wheelchair etc) and even arranged for a medical supply company to bring a CPAP and cough-assist machines for Tom and trained them on how to use them. Most importantly, The ALS Association of Georgia provided a shoulder to share this burden and the resources to teach and answer questions.  Donna states that “suddenly we were not alone in this battle....the veteran warriors had arrived as our reinforcements.  They won my heart completely and I swore I would spend the rest of my life giving back to this wonderful association.”

Donna has made working for the ALS Association of Georgia her heartfelt mission, to do whatever she can to ease the pain and suffering of those struck with this cruel disease.  Through her volunteerism, Donna has assisted with fundraising and administrative duties since 2006.  She has also served on the 2007 Walk to D’Feet ALS Steering Committee in addition to serving as the team captain of Tom’s Troops which raised $2,131 for the 2007 Atlanta Walk. 

Donna also reaches out to our ALS patients by personally sending each of them a thoughtful card on their birthdays.  She has truly lived up to her promise to do all she can to support and advocate for the ALS Community.

Thank you Donna!

 ZEE GIBSON, December 2007

Zee GibsonZerah ‘Zee’ Gibson was commanding a military  officer police unit, and very active in a variety of sporting activities when he was diagnosed with PLS. The onset of symptoms and the subsequent progression of his condition obviously resulted in the loss of his active lifestyle and military career.  Zee has not been hindered by these circumstances and has been an active volunteer with the ALS Association since 2006.

Zee volunteers in the office fulfilling administrative needs weekly and has put in 120 hours in 2007 alone.  He also was incredibly active in our Walk to D’Feet ALS, serving on the steering committee and as a team captain raising $3,000.  Zee also has been a veteran patient for a newly diagnosed ALS patient providing insight and support. 

Zee has not been limited by his diagnosis, but instead has been inspired to give back to those he feels have helped him to make the road a little easier.  Executive Director, Connie Herndon said about Zee, “without him the work simply would not get done and his commitment and dedication to our organization is an inspiration to me, the staff and all others he encounters.”

 HOPE HILL, November 2007

Hope joined the volunteer force at the ALS Association in honor of her father Curtis Hill, after he was diagnosed with ALS two years ago.   Since his diagnosis, Hope has made a significant impact on our organization, in particular through her participation with our signature event, Walk to D’Feet ALS.  As a top fundraiser this year, her team raised $16,678.00.  Hope held a fundraiser at a local restaurant, La Cazuela, and solicited her friends and family through emails and phone calls.

For the 2007 Walk season Hope served as the Committee Chairperson of the event and spent countless hours ensuring the success of the Walk.  Special Event Coordinator, Emily DeLoach said “Hope has made an indelible impact on this year’s event.  She led every meeting through inspiring the Committee members, using her experience as a team captain to benefit the event.” 

Hope, who is a teacher at McKendree  Elementary School, has also gotten her school and students involved and educated about Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  The students created Spring themed cards last April to send to ALS patients throughout the state of Georgia

Hope is a huge reason why our Walk to D’Feet ALS and other volunteer programs are successful.  Keith Fenton, Director of Development said “Hope strives to always do better and this enthusiasm will continue to improve our Walk program and in turn the level of services we are able to offer ALS patients.  She has truly made an impact through her volunteerism.”

 JESSICA PLETTE, October 2007

Jessica Plette and familyJessica’s step-mom, Dana, was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2006. Living almost 1,000 miles away and knowing she could not fight it for her, she reached out to the ALS Association of Georgia- wanting to do whatever she could to help the ALS community. 

Jessica said about her volunteerism with the ALS Association of Georgia, “It was my way to learn as much as I could about the disease and current research, to reach out to people who understood what was going on in our lives, to increase community awareness of the disease, and to help find a cure. At ALSA we share our stories, our ideas, and our passion in supporting patients.

She has learned through these experiences and through patients like Jon "Blazeman" Blais and others that “while the war they wage is strong, they need friends and family to keep fighting long after their personal battles are over.  Whether I'm picking up/dropping off patient equipment, preparing caregiver mailouts, or volunteering with the Walk, I am committed to supporting ALSA and any and all research until a cure is found.”

On behalf of the ALS Association of Georgia we honor Jessica for her work in almost every realm of our organization.  She is truly one of our most priceless volunteers. 


JANNET JOHNSTON, September 2007

Jannet Johnston

Jannet began to volunteer with The ALS Association of Georgia in 1997, through her friendship with our founding board members, Dan and Sharon Kelley.  Her financial background made her a natural with the “checks and balances” associated with fundraising duties. 

Initially, Jannet’s favorite event was our annual golf tournament.  Now, as a seasoned walk veteran, she enjoys the walks as well. She regularly attends the golf and walk events, working (with money, of course!) at our registration table. Jannet is such a familiar face to our golfers and walkers that some assume she is one of our staff members.

She says her volunteer work “gives her an opportunity to work with a fantastic group of people, many of whom I count as friends. All the people I have met through the ALS Association of Georgia have given me a sense of worth and accomplishment in my life.”

We salute Jannet for her contributions over the last 10 years through hundreds of hours of volunteer service to our organization all benefiting the ALSA community.

MARJORIE & GLENN LANGFORD, August 2007

Marjorie and Glenn Langford

Diligently over the last 8 years Marjorie and Glenn have been a part of the ALS Association of Georgia every Thursday morning.  The pair has been dedicated to fighting ALS through their administrative work in the office.

They became affiliated with former Executive Director, Susan Constantine, and have stayed on with the organization even since Susan’s retirement.  Over the last several years Marjorie and Glenn have become close with staff, fellow volunteers and ALS patients/caregivers statewide as they meet them in the office and at our events.

Volunteer Coordinator, Vicki Hendley said about the pair, “they are a joy to have in the office and are willing to help with any task no matter how large or small.  They even spread their love of volunteering to their kids and grandchildren and encourage them to come with them while they are visiting from California.”

Thank you to both Marjorie and Glenn for their service to our organization!

 





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Holland Williams
Director of Development
Phone: (404) 636-9909
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holland@alsaga.org

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