This is an inspiring story about Greg Merfeld who has a relatively rare form of the disease known as familial ALS. His mother discovered through her genealogy work that 20 people on Greg's father's side of the family had the disease.

Because of this, his children have a 50 percent chance of getting ALS. This notion led Greg to start thinking not so much about a cure for himself, but for his two teenage children.

He did a clinical trial for 12 months, but at the end of it, decided to try something else. He decided to work towards setting up a scholarship fund for children of people with ALS.

The scholarship has $175,000 in the bank and $100,000 more in pledges. Greg is working with the Ventura County Community Foundation to help administer the scholarship.

To learn more about Greg's amazing mission and this fund, please click here...>

Barry was diagnosed with ALS in 2006. So how was he able to compete in a marathon to raise awareness of and funds for ALS research?

To read more about this courageous person and his story, click here...>

This sweet birthday card was given to our 2011 Researching a Cure co-spokesperson, Treg Charlton, from his daughters - a simple reminder that it is not just the afflicted that suffer.

Laura Speir has found an innovative, tech-savvy, 21^st-century way to fundraise for ALS research.The creative college freshman has decided to raise money through a Twitter campaign, pledging to “tweet” 50,000 times by the end of 2011. She’s hoping to increase her Twitter followers over the course of the year, and is encouraging them to donate to this important cause.

Laura was inspired to become an ALS advocate after her best friend, Haley Stevens, passed away from the disease at age 17. She’s fundraising in Haley’s memory, and raising money for the ALS Association’s Keith Worthington Chapter, her local chapter in Springfield, MO. Her goal is to raise $5,000 through her year-long Twitter initiative.

By the end of February, Laura has already “tweeted” 7,500 messages: about ALS, her friend Haley and other “general stuff.” So far, she has about 260 followers from around the world, and hopes that number will continue to grow as more people learn about her heartfelt campaign.

While many teens turn to bake sales and car washes as fundraising options, last year, Laura learned about another impassioned fundraiser “tweeting” to raise money for cancer research. She thought that was a great idea – and since she “loves Twitter,” she decided to launch a similar campaign, using this popular social networking tool to raise funds – and awareness – for ALS.

Currently a freshman at a community college in Springfield, Laura has fond memories of her friend, Haley.

"We met in Kindergarten and became best friends in middle school", said Laura. "I was devastated when Haley started showing signs of ALS in ninth grade and was diagnosed with the disease when she was 16 years old.She passed away on September 3, 2009."

Laura is getting support from people in both the “real world” and the “virtual world,” with followers and fans from around the globe.

She’s promoting her efforts – and Haley’s story – through social marketing channels, including blog posts and, of course, through Twitter.

In addition, she’s participating in local ALS walks to raise additional funds for ALS research.

For more information on Laura's campaign, please visit her WEBSITE. Be sure to also follow her on Twitter and visit the Springfield High School website to learn more about The Haley Stevens Story.

I do not have ALS, but my aunt who lives in North Carolina does. We have lost touch over the years so I do not know her as well as I used to. However, I have seen how her condition has brought her siblings closer together.

Over the many years I have worked with the ALS Therapy Alliance, I have met so many amazing and courageous people who have ALS, and their very supportive families.

I am also continually amazed at the positive attitude from strangers I meet on Twitter who have ALS or have/had a loved one with ALS.

On Twitter I have met @sarahezekiel from London who is loving life despite the motor neurone disease/ALS. She raises awareness, fundraises, writes and is a mum of two. She also won the Mashable 2009 Social Media Ad Campaign award for Sarah's Story.

Then there is @fec139 from New York City who is a writer living with ALS, and loving the finer things in life, including rescuing rabbits, healthy eating, chocolate, red wine, tea, marzipan, Starbucks, Indie film, good food and art.

There is also @KingaNjilas from Ontario whose mom passed away from ALS January 29, 2010 after a four year battle. She now does as much as she can for ALS awareness.

And @SimonFace from Cheshire, UK who claims to be an incurable optimist living with the motor neurone disease, and actively researching assistive technologies that may help those who can no longer communicate.

These people are true heroes, and the reason why a cure for this horrific disease will be found some day.

How can you help?

Spread the word; tell everyone you know everything you can about ALS. Word of mouth is our best weapon!

Join us at www.ALSTherapyAlliance.org, subscribe to our newsletter and blog, and together we will make a difference!