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There is no easy way to receive an ALS diagnosis. For Sunny Brous, it came in a room with just the doctor and her. She was diagnosed nearly 10 years ago, just 20 days shy of her 28^th birthday. It was the end of a frustrating 18-month search going from doctor to doctor for answers.

But while Sunny received her diagnosis all by herself, her ALS journey has been anything but solitary. From the beginning she has leaned into the ALS community and found that the community was there waiting for her with open arms.

“I first got plugged in with the ALS Association at my very first multidisciplinary clinic in Dallas,” Sunny said. “And the fact that I was diagnosed, and then less than a month later, I was able to be in person at a clinic was just so helpful. I learned that day what support was readily available.” 

Sunny quickly found that the emotional and physical support—and resources—she needed to face ALS would be there for her when she needed them. “The ALS Association is definitely a leader in care services, in research, and equipment loans,” she said. “I mean, I got (my wheelchair) from the loan closet. That's huge. I didn't have to purchase one. I didn't have to use my wheelchair credit and to be able to have one until I'm ready for my big one.”

Wanting to share the story of what she had learned about the ALS community, and how support for the community was vital, Sunny quickly became active in advocacy efforts, becoming a powerful voice for people living with ALS. “The ALS Association has opened a lot of doors for me to be able to be present and involved in conversations,” she said.

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Sunny’s contributions to advocacy and awareness go far beyond her own journey. She is a passionate member of “Her ALS Story,” a network of women diagnosed before age 35. By sharing their experiences and supporting one another, these women are transforming perceptions of ALS and dispelling the stereotype that it’s an “old man’s disease.” Sunny stressed the importance of recognizing ALS’ diverse faces. “Not identifying ALS as an old man’s disease allows for quicker diagnosis, quicker interventions, and hopefully longer lives,” she said.

“This community is like none I’ve ever known,” Sunny said. “’Her ALS Story’ is changing the landscape of ALS, and we're worldwide.” 

The ALS community has also provided her with many emotional moments on her journey as well. Throwing out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game, surrounded by nearly 200 supporters, stands out as a truly cherished memory. “There was a two-and-a-half-hour rain delay,” she said, “I just knew there’d be no beers left in the ballpark (afterwards). It was fun.”

As she looks back, Sunny is filled with gratitude for everyone who has supported her and others living with ALS in any way, big or small. ““I would say thank you,” she said. “I get to be me because of the services that are provided and the opportunities that come from the ALS Association. And so, whether it's advocacy or dollars or just love and support, investment in the Association allows me to be me.”

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Looking to the future, Sunny dreams of watching her nieces and nephews grow up, remaining active in the community, and showing the world that people living with ALS are truly living. “Giving people an example that this disease is not always two to five years life expectancy,” she said. “This disease is not ‘go home and get your affairs in order and prepare to die,’ that you can live well with this disease.”

Sunny received her diagnosis alone, but from that moment forward, her story is about the power of community. Her message is clear: Lean in, let it love you, and find hope in the connections that can sustain all of us.

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