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Our Champions


My name is Mike Ibarra, and I am a 31-year-old neurologist. I was feeling on top of the world as I was finishing my medical training, but in March 2023, I was diagnosed with ALS…

the very disease process I had managed countless times. I felt scared, angry, and confused. This was not part of my life plan. Despite feeling lost, I was not alone. My tremendous support group helped pick me up throughout my ALS journey.

My family has been with me from the very start. I know the news hit them as hard as it did me. Upon finding out, my parents moved in with me for two months, despite living on the opposite side of the country. My family has been everything I have needed them to be. Whether it was a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to, to talk to, or laugh with, my family was there. This support reminded me about the meaning of life and how I wanted to live mine. They have allowed me to find happiness throughout my ALS journey.

I cherish the friends I have and have made. They have been my support along the way and never fail to put a smile on my face. Their genuine compassion has helped me remember the joy in life and remember that I don’t have to live this experience alone. The dinners, drinks, hangouts, and trips will be memories for us all, showing how I was truly able to live. Throughout the chaos, I was able to meet the love of my life. This has been an experience I never knew was possible. One in which not even ALS was going to get between.

Despite living with ALS, I have truly been honored to be a part of this great ALS community of people with ALS, caregivers, supporters, and medical providers. Communities, like the one I made through ALS TDI, have made all this possible. They have given me support and a voice to share my ALS Love Story.  

   

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Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS
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