February Volunteer of the Month: Stephen Cronin

In July of 2018, life changed suddenly for February’s Volunteer of the Month, Stephen Cronin. What began as a routine 5K run quickly turned into a medical emergency. After crossing the finish line, friends noticed something was wrong: his speech was slurred. Fearing a heart attack or stroke, they urged him to seek medical attention. Though he felt fine, he listened. A call to the doctor led straight to the emergency room, and that moment marked the beginning of his ALS journey.

Before his diagnosis, his knowledge of ALS was limited. Like many people, he was aware of the disease primarily through the Ice Bucket Challenge. For his family, including his wife Donna, ALS was largely unfamiliar territory. Since then, ALS United Mid-Atlantic has become a critical source of guidance and support.

“The organization has been invaluable in my journey,” he shared. From helping his family think through next steps and home modifications, to offering advice on how to talk with his son about the disease, ALS United Mid-Atlantic has been there through every phase. Participating in events and staying connected has helped him feel supported and understood during an incredibly challenging time.

When asked what lessons he would share with others, his response was simple but powerful: a diagnosis does not define who you are. “You’re still the person you were before the diagnosis,” he said. “It’s another hurdle in life, and you have to approach it the same way you approach the other hurdles.”

That mindset has guided the way he continues to give back. Since his diagnosis, he has been surrounded by an extraordinary network of support. Two close friends, Mark and Mike, even founded Firefighters Fighting ALS, organizing fundraisers and rallying support for him and his family. He has also received meaningful support from groups like Friends of the Food Industry, support he says he will be indebted to forever.

Today, he remains deeply committed to supporting others living with ALS. He stays involved with ALS United Mid-Atlantic events, serves as a mentor with the I Am ALS Foundation, and shares his experiences through his YouTube channel, What Can I Do Today: Living with ALS. Through honest conversations about daily challenges, and how he works through them, his videos offer comfort, realism, and hope to others navigating life with ALS.

Advocacy has also become a meaningful part of his journey. After being asked to present on his experience living with ALS, he discovered a new passion. A lifelong public speaker, he embraced the challenge of adapting that skill in the face of ALS and found purpose in using his voice for awareness and change.

When asked why he encourages others to volunteer for the ALS cause, his answer reflects a lifetime of service. “It has to be a passion,” he said. After more than forty years as a volunteer firefighter, caring for his community has always been central to who he is. “This is my community now. I cared before, and I did what I could. Today, I live with the disease. If you care, you can do it.”

His story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment. It is a reminder that even in the face of ALS, purpose and impact remain powerful forces.

What Can I Do Today: Living with ALS

Watch Stephen’s presentation on ALS research and patient participation here.