Derek's ALS Army

09/04/2026

Thanks for the support Michelle Leonis, and thanks for the special memory!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jzoret4km/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/31/2026

The Rochester Walk to Defeat ALS is less than two weeks away. Please consider supporting Derek's ALS Army by joining our team, making a donation or simply cheering us on. Derek is the Walk Ambassador this year and we would love any support you can offer! Wear your Derek’s Army gear and join the fight!

https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/STR/Walks/UpstateNewYork?pg=team&team_id=425603&fr_id=17465&view_as_public=true

For people battling ALS, time is not a luxury to waste. With an average life expectancy of 2-5 years following diagnosis, there is clear urgency to optimize care and find effective treatments for those affected by the disease. That's why we need to do everything we can to help The ALS Association Up...

08/24/2026

We’re so proud to share something that has become incredibly important to our family!💙

The ALS Hospital Tool Kit was created after one of our own hospital stays showed us just how important ALS-specific knowledge can be in a medical setting.

What started as a resource for hospital staff has since become something we’ve used frequently — during appointments, transitions in care, and as a reference for our own caregiving.

While this guide was created to help medical professionals better understand the needs of someone living with ALS, it was equally created for caregivers and families. We hope it can help caregivers feel more prepared, advocate for their loved one, and give medical teams a better understanding of the things families learn simply by living with ALS every day.

Every person with ALS is different, and this guide is not meant to replace individualized medical advice. Our hope is simply that it helps improve communication and reminds everyone that the person living with ALS and their caregivers are an essential part of the care team.

Please feel free to save, share, print, and pass this guide along to anyone who may benefit from it💙

Resources Included:
The ALS Association
https://www.als.org

I AM ALS
https://www.iamals.org

Team Gleason
https://teamgleason.org

Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS)
https://ccals.org

Bridging Voice
https://bridgingvoice.org

08/19/2026

We received an email with this attached photo today. This is an example of two things, some of our awesome new Derek’s Army merch and also of how much Derek is loved and supported. These lovely ladies are the therapists and staff at PT Solutions where Derek received PT weekly when we spent the winter of 2025 in Florida. They are wonderful people and despite not seeing him since April 2025, they still keep in touch and support him from afar!

08/18/2026

Just a friendly reminder, if you are joining us at the Walk on 9/12 and would like to get some new Derek’s Army swag to wear please consider ordering soon. The items take a couple weeks to come in. Can’t wait to see you all then!

https://www-kabricscorning-com.printavo.com/merch/alsarmy?fbclid=IwZnRzaATxhyhwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMv4Su-QorHgJ_XH5uEh9U9Iaj4EjmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR55ci-98gsCHIjBfKgOLe7SJYkAtcDIyZlGs-pWlBDxCYH9KgCv4rza3NweFQ_aem_ql-W5bp7o0xZlv7KJf5j5w

08/13/2026

Did you know?

Prior to diagnosis, Derek rarely worked less than 55 hours per week driving hundreds of miles per week across NY state to serve hundreds of school districts.

He never called in sick, in fact drove from Buffalo to Corning for final EMG and back to an event in Buffalo that evening despite just receiving crushing confirmation of ALS diagnosis.

Despite being unable to move any of his limbs and losing his voice, he worked full time up until 12/31/25. That was 2 years and two months after diagnosis.

07/28/2026

Our new merch has made the trip to Boston for clinic appointment! Get yours today!
Link in comments.

07/25/2026

We had a great time at Oaks with live music from Surprise Surprise!

It was so great seeing so many familiar faces. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hi, chat, snap a picture, or share a hug💙

And… what do you think of our new Derek’s ALS Army merch?! We love seeing it out in the wild and can’t wait to see even more of you wearing it! (Remember to tag us when you do!)

Thanks for another night full of music, laughter, and community💙

PS- check the comments for our dancing man!

07/16/2026

Can confirm! Would give 0 stars, if possible!

07/12/2026

Spent the afternoon at Keuka, was a nice day!