ALS Caregiver Advocate, Jodi O’Donnell-Ames

Jodi’s late husband, Kevin O’Donnell was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 30, and he tragically succumbed to the illness at the age of 36. Throughout the course of Kevin’s illness, Jodi became intimately aware of the impact of ALS on the patient and on the family. Critically, in witnessing her young daughter having to take on a role as caregiver alongside her, she realized the gap in resources and community available for children who similarly realize the role of caregiver for family members with ALS. From her experience and her desire to help children and family members impacted by ALS, she founded Hope Loves Company, the only non-profit in the U.S. with the mission of providing educational and emotional support to children and young adults who had or have a loved one battling ALS. Jodi started Hope Loves Company from her home, and it has since grown into a national organization that has helped thousands of children and families whose lives have been affected by ALS.