Wednesday, May 18 @ 11 a.m. CDT
Join the ALS Association of Texas as we discuss our approach to Advocacy and how we partner with other organizations and the ALS community to impact public policy on a national level. We’ll be joined by Ashley Smith, Director of Advocacy at the ALS Association, and two members of our ALS Texas community, Juan Reyes and Sunny Brous, to hear how their work as ALS Advocates has inspired the passage of crucial legislation. We hope you’ll join us!
This event will be recorded for on-demand viewing. If you’re unable to attend live, register and the recording will be sent to your provided email.
Meet Our Guest Speakers!
Ashley Smith,
Director of Advocacy at the ALS Association
Director of Advocacy, designs and directs nonpartisan grassroots and grasstops activities to advance The ALS Association’s policy priorities and mission. Prior to joining The ALS Association, Ashley led the grassroots efforts of the National League of Cities (NLC) by crafting advocacy strategies that supported NLC’s federal policy agenda and empowered city leaders to engage directly with federal elected officials. At M+R, she facilitated state- and federal-level advocacy activities for clients including the American Lung Association, the MacArthur Foundation, and the American Public Health Association. Ashley grew up in San Antonio and is very excited to connect with the ALS Texas community.
Juan Reyes,
Air Force Veteran and Texan with ALS
Juan A. Reyes, USAF MSgt retired is an ardent advocate for those suffering ALS, having been diagnosed Oct. of 2015. Juan served 21 years in the United States Air Force as an Independent Duty Medical Technician. Juan is focused on improving services, research and quality of life for ALS patients. He has shared insights with medical students and other healthcare professionals, enhancing understanding of ALS patient needs. His efforts have also taken him to our nation’s capital engaging elected officials on behalf of patients. As a Patient Mentor Juan aids newly diagnosed patients navigate this devastating diagnosis. Juan actively serves on committees locally and nationally for: ALS Association Texas Chapter, I Am ALS, NEALS Consortium and Patients Like Me. Juan resides with his family in Castroville, Texas.
Sunny Brous,
ALS Advocate and Texan with ALS
Since being diagnosed with ALS in 2015, right before her 28th birthday, Sunny Brous has made it her mission to ensure others know they are not alone in the fight, and to pour as much love into the ALS community as possible. Sunny is a passionate advocate for the ALS community and her story has been featured in local and national publications. Sunny has met with elected officials on Capitol Hill during ALS Advocacy Day, attended the International Symposium on ALS/MND, and is a key community partner in organizing collaborative ALS awareness initiatives. Sunny partners with local and national ALS organizations, including the ALS Association Texas Chapter, I AM ALS, Her ALS Story, and ALS TDI. Sunny lives in her hometown of Hico, Texas and blogs about her experiences at SunnyStrong.com. No apologies. No excuses. No regrets.