
HEART BEAT
The Annual Newsletter of the Joe Martin ALS Foundation
December 2024

Reflections from JMALSF President Neil Cottrell
Dear Friends,
As I look back on this year, one word really comes to mind: determination. Every day, I’m reminded of how much it takes to live with ALS, and how our community faces this challenge head-on with incredible grit and heart.
TV and Broadway performer Aaron Lazar, during his Impossible Dream performances, shared how he’s been determined to live fully, moment by moment, since his ALS diagnosis. His message of hope and his drive to raise awareness for ALS touched us all. Aaron’s story shows that no matter the circumstances, we can still find purpose, joy, and ways to lift others up.
At our Live Every Day Dinner, Andrea Lytle Peet, our keynote speaker, told her inspiring story of determination. For the past 1 0 years, she’s worked toward completing a marathon in all 50 states while living with ALS. Her strength and perseverance show us all that even when the road ahead looks difficult, it’s still possible to push through and achieve something extraordinary.
That same spirit of determination shone through at our first-ever Joe’s Camp & Hike, where teens impacted by ALS pushed themselves to hike up to nine miles a day. But what was even more powerful was how they opened up and shared their personal ALS journeys with one another, finding strength and connection along the way. It was a weekend filled with resilience, friendship, and determination.
I’m beyond grateful for the chance to witness these stories of resilience and strength. It’s thanks to supporters like you that we’re able to keep offering our FREE services and support to those living with ALS. Together, we’re making a difference, and I’m excited to carry this mission forward into the coming year.
Thank you for being a part of this community.
With Gratitude,

December 2024
JMALSF at the Charlotte Knights
This year, we chose three special individuals and one amazing local company as recipients of our annual awards! Caregiving and non-profit work is often done without the expectation of recognition, which is why we highlight the amazing people who exemplify our values, going above and beyond in support of our mission to equip families navigating ALS as they live actively with purpose, with joy, and with hope!


Aaron Lazar’s Impossible Dream
In April, we had the privilege of hosting Aaron Lazar’s inspiring “Impossible Dream” performances in Greensboro and Charlotte. Aaron’s message of hope and determination resonated with over 800 attendees, reminding everyone that even in the toughest times, optimism shines through. These memorable events not only raised awareness for ALS but also generated $72K to support our foundation’s mission.
Awards Spotlight: Honorees Determined to Make a Difference

Corporate Partner of the Year
Charlotte Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A.
We are proud to recognize CEENTA as our Corporate Partner of the Year. Looking for a local charity to support, and with a personal connection to ALS, we were selected to be their non-profit charity of the year, through their CEENTA cares program. JMALSF has benefitted from their fellowship, support and their commitment to make a difference! Thank you Ryan Fitzmaurice, Emma Browder, and Bruce Marshman (pictured left) for selecting us!

The JMALSF Service and Dedication Award Sydney Simpson
This award recognizes outstanding care delivered by one of our JMALSF staff caregivers. This year, we are proud to honor Sydney Simpson (pictured right), our dedicated caregiver for the Piedmont Triad. Sydney’s clients consistently praise her unwavering support, with one sharing, “Sydney has become part of our family. She is always ready to assist in any way she can.” We hear this time and time again, and we are incredibly fortunate to have Sydney supporting our PALS in the Piedmont Triad with compassion and commitment.

The Vann Matthews Camper Spirit Award Genevieve Tate
We’re proud to recognize Genevieve, pictured on the left. A long-time camper, her cheerful spirit and willingness to help-especially with the younger campers-make a lasting impact, bringing joy and positivity to every camp weekend. Thank you, Genevieve, for your kindness and dedication!

The Vann Matthews Caregiver Spirit Award Aleece Beatty
We are honored to present this family caregiving award to PAL Niki’s mom, Aleece Beatty. Niki shared, “My mom is my everything, caregiver, therapist, chauffeur, and best friend. Her job is 24/7 without breaks.” We recognize Aleece for her unwavering dedication and love in caring for Niki.

Dan Ramirez Service Award
Laurie Martin
The Dan Ramirez Service Award was bestowed on Laurie Martin (pictured left) for her extraordinary efforts to support families living with ALS. Laurie’s dedication to raising awareness and bringing Broadway star Aaron Lazar’s inspiring message of hope to our audiences made her the clear choice for this honor. Laurie’s work not only raised awareness but also generated over $70K to directly support our mission of helping families live actively, with purpose, joy, and hope. We are deeply grateful for Laurie’s ongoing commitment, which truly embodies the spirit of this prestigious award.

Community Partner of the Year
We’re thrilled to have Racing for ALS as our 2024 Community Partner of the Year! Thank you, Racing for ALS members Norm Adams, Director of Charity, and Board Member Andrew Trammell (pictured right), for joining us at the Live Every Day Dinner to accept your award and for your incredible commitment to the ALS community. With the support of Racing for ALS, we’re able to provide FREE wheelchair transportation in the Piedmont Triad. Whether our PALS need a ride to clinic or a social engagement, we can answer their call thanks to the van they’ve loaned us through their van loaner program. Together, we’re driving change, providing support, and helping families impacted by ALS.
Shop to Support Our Mission!
Visit our online store, featuring spirit wear for The Joe Martin ALS Foundation, Joe’s Camp, and Joe’s Camp & Hike. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, and totes in adult and youth sizes. Every purchase helps support our PALS. https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-joe-martin-als-foundation-shop/



Campaign Corner
Batter up for ALS!

What a fabulous day at the ballpark! The 6th Annual ALS Rivalry Softball Challenge raised over $25K to support our families with ALS. Huge thanks to Dirk’s Dodgers, and Bob’s Sox players, and managers Andrew Taylor and Greg Burson for the amazing fundraising efforts. We missed the namesake of Dirk’s Dodgers-Kevin Dirk passed earlier this year. We thank his family for their support of this event. Special shoutouts to Brien Blakely for announcing, Fungo for the equipment, and the U11 ball shaggers. Thank you to all our sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers!
Thank you to the Taylor family whose support over the last six years has helped us raise an impressive $137k at this event!
Celebrating Two Successful Golf Fundraisers!
This year, JMALSF was honored to be the beneficiary of two golf tournaments, raising a combined total of over $42K to support our families living with ALS. In March, The Piedmont Triad Friends of The Joe Martin ALS Foundation hosted the annual Polar Bear Open in Greensboro, raising over $22K. The community’s participation made a huge impact, with every swing helping us serve PALS in the Piedmont Triad. More recently, Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates (CEENTA) hosted the CEENTACares Classic Golf Tournament. Their sponsors and golfers raised more than $20K to support our cause. Thank you to everyone involved for your generosity and commitment to our mission. Your support is helping families live actively with ALS, one swing at a time!







Snowflake Village
Did you know that every year Snowflake Village in Charlotte provides free holiday trees to PALS who would like one? Board member Claudia Tate is pictured above volunteering at Snowflake Village. Order a tree or wreath today by visiting their website below & mentioning JMALSF when you purchase, so we receive a donation.

Thanks FiA!
Females in Action (FiA) Charlotte has come together each year to provide gifts for families affected by ALS who have young children. We’re grateful for their generosity again this year!
A Night to Remember: Live Every Day Dinner Exceeded Fundraising Goal!
Our largest annual fundraiser, The Live Every Day Dinner, was a tremendous success, raising more than $160K and surpassing the $135K goal! This remarkable achievement was made possible by the generosity of our supporters, with funds going directly to support our free services for families living with ALS, including in-home care, transportation, caregiver training, and youth camps. The evening featured Ken Menkhaus, C. Louise Nelson Professor of Political Science at Davidson College, as our emcee, and an inspiring keynote address from Andrea Lytle Peet. Andrea’s story of determination-becoming the first person with ALS to complete a marathon in all 50 states-left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance. Diagnosed at just 33, she has since helped raise over $1.2 million toward ALS research, truly embodying the evening’s theme of determination. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Andrea and Ken, our Presenting Sponsor, Bank of America, our event sponsors, and our donors for making the night a true celebration of hope and resilience. Your support continues to help families live actively with ALS every day.

“Let your determination be contagious, expanding geometrically as you add to it the determination of others.” -Joe Martin







Joe’s Camp and Joe’s Camp & Hike: A Summer of Connection and Adventure!
“The teen camp and hike was an amazing experience for my son and daughter. They had nothing but positive things to share about their adventures. The weekend offered them the opportunity to connect with other teens who share an understanding of their journey with a family member diagnosed with ALS.” – Joe’s Camp & Hike Parent

We had an amazing time at our camps this summer, creating lasting memories and making new friends. Joe’s Camps offer young people impacted by ALS a unique opportunity to meet, bond, and share experiences with others who truly understand their journey. Through activities designed for fun, connection, and growth, campers enjoyed a supportive environment where they could express themselves and feel empowered. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the ALS Association, presenting sponsor of Joe’s Camp, and CEENTA, presenting sponsor of Joe’s Camp & Hike, for making these unforgettable experiences of connection, friendship, and adventure possible.




We provide all our services free of charge, thanks to supporters like you. If you’d like to make a donation scan the QR code, visit us at joemartinalsfoundation.org/donate. or send a check to the address below.
Want to learn more about our impact? Check out our 2024 Annual Impact Report.

Our mission is to empower families as they face the challenge of living actively with ALS by providing home care and other services at no cost.
Visit Us Online to Learn More: www.joemartinalsfoundation.org
100 N. Tryon Street Suite 3420 Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 332-1929