Voices of Resilience: Sharing the Stories of ALS Warriors
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The ALS Necklace Collection is more than just jewelry; it is born from the stories of ALS warriors who are examples of the unyielding human spirit in the face of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
This blog is focused entirely on these incredible individuals whose experiences ignite hope, fuel advocacy, and drive the critical search for a cure. Their stories are a poignant reminder that even amidst the toughest trials, courage and connection can shine through.
Salym Tidwell-Liufau: The Roar of Unshakable Strength
Salym Tidwell-Liufau was diagnosed with ALS on May 23, 2023, a devastating blow for her and her family. A wife and mother to four sweet children, all aged 8 and younger, Salym's world was irrevocably altered. Before her symptoms began, she was a talented lash extension artist for eight years.
Salym's journey has been marked by rapidly progressing symptoms, starting with leg cramps, difficulty moving her toes and lifting her legs, and shaking in her hands, eventually making it difficult to even hold her children. She now uses a wheelchair and faces a future where she may need communication devices, a feeding tube, and respiratory assistance. Despite these immense challenges, Salym expressed her heartbreak, sharing, "My heart is truly shattered. I feel like I saw my life just flash of all the things I won’t be able to do or enjoy again." Yet, through this, she asks for prayers as she seeks peace.
For Salym, the lion symbolizes unshakable strength for those living with ALS and their caregivers, representing courage, protection, and a spirit that roars even as the body changes. Her story highlights shared resilience and supports Her ALS Story. You can follow her journey on Instagram at @alswithsalym.
Sunny: Always Turning Toward the Light
Sunny is an unstoppable force who lives her life with unapologetic courage. Her mission is clear: to ensure no one feels alone in the fight against ALS. She embraces her journey, stating, "I’m just trying to live unapologetically.’
Sunny's enduring message is captured by her chosen symbol, the sunflower, which serves as a powerful reminder to always turn toward the light. Her legacy is one of connection, advocacy, and fierce hope, which continues to be supported through Her ALS Story. Sunny's impact extends widely, with numerous media features highlighting her courage and advocacy efforts.
Shop Sunny’s Sunflower Necklace
Steph Atkins: Radiating Warmth and Positivity
Steph Atkins has been living with ALS since 2011, and through her journey, she radiates creativity, honesty, and a profound love for simple joys, particularly sunshine. Her spirit is one of warmth and positivity, inspiring those around her.
Steph's enduring spirit and her connection to the vibrant energy of the sun are central to her story. Her advocacy contributes directly to the fight against ALS, as every purchase associated with her story helps fund critical research through the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI).
Shop Steph’s Sunshine Necklace
Maria & Jules: Living 'Right Here, Right Now'
Maria Aleandra is the devoted caregiver to her husband, Jules, who was diagnosed with ALS in March 2020, as the country went into lockdown. This diagnosis shook their world, but Jules made a powerful commitment: "whatever happens, I want to keep sharing our story". Together, they navigate the "dense fog" of ALS, finding immense beauty, strength, love, and compassion extracted under the harshest circumstances.
Their mantra, "Right Here, Right Now," reflects their dedication to living fully in the present, even as each day brings a multitude of emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual challenges. Maria provides 24/7 care for Jules, who needs constant assistance, impacting her ability to work a traditional job. Despite the exhaustion, they choose to embrace the moment, cherish their son Skyler, and appreciate the blessings around them.
Maria and Jules chose the lightning bolt to symbolize raw power, clarity, and the ability to keep moving forward despite disruption, reflecting their commitment to fueling change.
Shop High Octane Lightning Bolt Necklace
Atileana: Transformation Through Trials
Atileana's story is one of incredible resilience. A devoted mother, she received her ALS diagnosis at the young age of 29 in April 2023, while seven months pregnant.
Her symptoms began in late 2022 with unexplained falls, pain, and slurred speech. Despite her worsening condition, she bravely delivered her premature baby via C-section. She continues to care for her two children, now ages 2 and 9, with the help of her mother. Atileana's condition is progressing rapidly; she now uses a wheelchair full-time, relies on speech-assistive devices, and has begun using a BiPAP machine for breathing. Through these immense challenges, Atileana finds strength in the butterfly, an emblem of transformation through trials.
A portion of proceeds from her necklace supports Her ALS Story. Her family is actively fundraising to secure a handicap-accessible home and vehicle, ongoing medical care, and assistance.
Shop Atileana’s Butterfly Necklace
Erin Taylor: A Deep Connection to Nature and a Global Voice
Erin Taylor's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with ALS at just 23 years old in 2023. Before her diagnosis, Erin had aspired to become a botanist, reflecting her deep connection to nature.
Though her body has changed, she is now dependent on a wheelchair and has lost her voice, her advocacy has only grown stronger. Erin uses her voice to bring awareness to ALS on global stages. She has notably opened for Lenovo Tech World, represented ALS for the first time at the UN during Zero Project, and was a feature story on national news in Austria.
Her monstera charm reflects her love for the natural world and her unwavering spirit. Erin has chosen Adaptive Impact to receive donations from the sales of her necklace. The founder is a young ALS warrior, and started this foundation to provide adaptive paragliding free for ALS patients.
These six stories are a showing of the courage, dedication, and love that define the ALS community. It's an amazingly strong community, yet one NONE of us wanted to be a part of.
Every ALS warrior and their story contributes to a collective voice that demands attention, support, and a future free from ALS. By continuing to share their journeys, I hope to fuel awareness, advocacy, and vital research for everyone impacted by this disease.