Local 13-Year Old Takes On The Fight Against ALS

Washington, D.C. (May 1, 2018) – Sophie Rubin, a thirteen year old, 7th grader at Ridgeview Middle School in Gaithersburg is fighting ALS in a BIG way. In honor of her grandmother “Nanny” Sophie took up the challenge to raise both awareness for ALS and funds to support The ALS Association – DC/MD/VA Chapter. This past September, she created her own ALS fundraiser, which she named “Nanny’s Nation”.

Jacki Pearlman (Nanny) was diagnosed with ALS in early 2017, almost a year after she began experiencing symptoms. As it so often does, the disease progressed quickly and Jacki lost her battle with ALS this past March.

In memory of her Nanny, Sophie set out to raise funds to support the fight against ALS by selling ALS awareness bracelets for a dollar to her friends, family and classmates. Word of her efforts spread quickly on social media and soon everyone was sporting her bracelets. Her initial efforts raised $800, inspiring Sophie to continue her fundraising and increase her goal to $10,000.

“I started Nanny’s Nation because I didn't like that I couldn't do anything to help her even though she was really sick…. So, I thought of ways that I could help people like her and families like mine and this is what I thought I could do…I'm very proud of myself and happy that a lot of my friends and family have helped me support ALS. – Sophie Rubin

Now, Sophie has surpassed her goal—just in time for this ALS Awareness Month of May. The funds raised by “Nanny’s Nation” will be donated to The ALS Association – DC/MD/VA Chapter to support nearly 700 people living with ALS and their families, while the Chapter continues to support efforts to find treatments and a cure.

Our Chapter is thankful to Sophie and all of those who have supported “Nanny’s Nation”. These efforts are making a huge impact on the fight against ALS and our ability to bring hope to the ALS Community” – Judy Taylor, Executive Director, The ALS Association – DC/MD/VA Chapter

About ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. People with ALS lose the ability to walk, to talk, to eat and finally to breathe. ALS is a service-related disease; military veterans are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS. The life expectancy of someone diagnosed is only two to five years and there is currently no cure.

About The ALS Association – DC/MD/VA Chapter

The ALS Association – DC/MD/VA was founded in 1991 to serve the unmet needs of people with ALS. Starting from a small group of volunteers, the Chapter has transformed into a thriving organization providing FREE services to nearly 700 people living with ALS and their families throughout Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. For more information about ALS or The ALS Association – DC/MD/VA Chapter, please visit www.ALSinfo.org.

ALS Awareness Month

The month of May is National ALS Awareness Month. During this month we encourage the ALS community and its supporters to “Raise their Voices”. ALS may take away one’s ability to speak, but it can never take away one’s voice. This month we’ll use our voices to spread awareness for ALS, share our stories and advocate for the needs of the ALS community.