ALS is a disease that entered my family’s life just as my parents believed they had finally achieved everything they had worked so hard for. My father was diagnosed with ALS in June of 2022, only two months before I began high school. Starting high school is overwhelming on its own, but receiving news that would permanently change our family made that transition even more difficult. Since my dad’s diagnosis, ALS has consumed my thoughts daily. There are countless unknowns and unanswered questions surrounding this disease, and living with that uncertainty has been one of the hardest challenges I have faced. Despite everything happening at home, I remained committed to my education. I showed up to school every day and worked hard, maintaining mostly A’s with some B’s. I knew that even though my life outside of school had changed dramatically, my education was still important. My dad has always been strict about grades and has taught me to give my best effort in everything I do. His diagnosis did not change those expectations, and honoring that has motivated me to continue working hard academically. This scholarship would greatly support my education and help relieve financial stress for my family. School is something I have always enjoyed and plan to pursue in the future, but college expenses are a growing concern. My family is currently in the process of moving because our home does not meet the accessibility needs of my dad’s disability, which is a significant financial burden. Additionally, my father was our primary source of income, and he has since been demoted at work because he is no longer able to travel. This scholarship would ease the financial pressure on my family and allow me to focus on my education without added stress. My family and I are actively involved with the organization Hop On A Cure. With the help of my family, I organized a golf tournament fundraiser that included a tournament, auction, and raffle, with all proceeds donated to Hop On A Cure. Before his diagnosis, my dad was a very active athlete, and golf was one of his favorite sports, making the event especially meaningful. Through this fundraiser, we raised $20,000 for ALS research. Additionally, after my grandfather passed away this past September, donations were collected at his celebration of life for Hop On A Cure, raising an additional $3,000. Being involved in these efforts has allowed me to give back to the ALS community while honoring my father.