When he was only seven years old, Sam lost his dad to ALS. But since then, through the Halpern ALS Initiative, he's raised more than $60,000 for ALS research in his dad’s memory.
Now a Young Faces of ALS ambassador for the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), Sam spoke at the organization's 2016 White Coat Affair gala in Boston. He also is a committee member of the MDA Night of Hope Gala in Atlanta, and, in 2011, was an Atlanta INtown 20 Under 20 honoree.
Sam's dad's ALS prevented them from being able to do typical father-son activities. Over the past many years, Sam has come to realize how especially difficult it must have been for his dad to know he wouldn't be able to watch his children grow up, not be able to do things on his own because he couldn't move his muscles, and not being able to eat or talk (which were two of his most favorite activities). Sam hopes to continue helping others with ALS and advancing research in his dad's memory.
“I am determined to help change the world for the hundreds of thousands who are facing ALS, and the millions of kids like me who have lost their parents.”
Previous fundraisers
Sam’s efforts have been supported by the 2016 and 2017 Young Faces of ALS Corntoss Challenges in Atlanta, as well as Ice Bucket Challenge fundraisers at his school in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, resulting in a teacher being doused!
ABOUT THE HALPERN ALS INITIATIVE BRAND
Rust was Sam’s dad’s favorite color and the “Halpern” type is modeled after his signature.