RISE FOR ALS

My name is Jacqueline Stepp, and I founded Rise for ALS Chattanooga, Inc. because this city deserves a movement of hope, visibility, and support for families facing one of the cruelest diseases in the world, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease).

My family has lost three loved ones to ALS, and another to the frontotemporal dementia our families genetic ALS also causes. My mother is currently fighting it. My brother and I are awaiting our own genetic test results. ALS is not just a diagnosis to us; it is a lived reality, a daily fear, and a generational shadow that we are determined to transform into action.

Chattanooga has not had an in-person ALS walk in over six years. Families here have had to grieve, fight, and navigate this disease without a local community event centered on awareness, connection, or support.

I decided to change that.

Rise for ALS Chattanooga, Inc. was created to bring the ALS Awareness Walk back to our city on May 2, 2026; and to build an ongoing, sustainable support network for the families who need it most. Our mission is simple-

• To raise awareness.

• To raise funds.

• To raise hope.

• To rise together.

We believe Chattanooga is ready to stand with ALS families again.

We believe the time to act is now.

And we believe that, together, we can make an impact that will be felt for years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about this mission. We invite you to rise with us.

With hope,

Jacqueline Stepp

Founder & Chair

Rise for ALS Chattanooga, Inc.

WHO WE SERVE

ALS Families; patients, spouses, children, and loved ones navigating a devastating diagnosis.
Caregivers; the emotional and physical backbone of every ALS journey.
Veterans- who face twice the risk of developing ALS.
Local Residents- community members seeking awareness, education, and a way to take action.
Healthcare + Senior-Care Partners; clinics, therapists, equipment providers, and support teams.

Rise for ALS Chattanooga serves the families, caregivers, veterans, and community members who are directly impacted by ALS in our region. Our mission is to help ensure no one in the Chattanooga region navigates this disease alone; emotionally, financially, or spiritually.

Rise for ALS Chattanooga, Inc. is currently applying for 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status. All donations will be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law upon approval.Our signature event, the Chattanooga ALS Awareness Walk, returns May 2, 2026 — a day of unity, remembrance, and action.

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