News & Stories
Laurie Hostetler walks for herself and for every person living with ALS. But she also walks for the people closest to her — her husband, Ethan, and their four boys, Ryan, Cameron, Liam, and Holden.
“I want to show them that no matter what they are told, that you never give up. You keep fighting even when the road is incredibly hard.”
After being diagnosed with ALS in May 2025, Laurie found herself surrounded by a tribe of family and friends ready to walk this road alongside her. That support became the inspiration behind a fitting team name: Laurie’s Tribe of Twisted Neurons.
Never Fighting Alone
For Laurie, her “tribe” is much more than a team name.
Her family and friends have surrounded her with love, encouragement, and support throughout her journey with ALS — reminding her every day that she doesn’t have to face this disease on her own.
“I am truly blessed beyond words for the overwhelming love, encouragement, and support they have shown me throughout this journey. They remind me every day that I am not fighting this disease alone.”
That community will surround Laurie again at walkALS Georgia, where every step represents the people walking beside her and the hope they share for the future.
A Voice Louder Than ALS
As ALS affects Laurie’s ability to speak, the people she loves have taken on an even more meaningful role.
“Even though ALS is taking my voice, it will never silence me. My family and my friends are now my voice. Together, we are louder than this disease.”
Laurie is determined to use that collective voice to raise awareness, support research, and make a difference for the people and families who will face ALS in the future.
“Every step I take is filled with hope. I walk to raise awareness, to fund research, and to pay it forward for future generations.”
Still Walking with Hope
This year marks Laurie’s second walkALS Georgia, and she’ll once again be surrounded by the tribe that reminds her she is never fighting alone.
She walks for Ethan. She walks for Ryan, Cameron, Liam, and Holden. She walks for her family and friends. She walks for every person living with ALS.
And most of all, she walks with hope.
On September 19, Laurie’s Tribe of Twisted Neurons will join us for the 25th Anniversary Celebration of walkALS Georgia — adding their steps, their voices, and their story to 25 years of a community walking together toward a future without ALS.
Join Laurie and hundreds of families across Georgia as we walk together on September 19.
See the feature reel on our Instagram!
