May 2025 Volunteers of the Month: University of Scranton Cheerleaders

The ALS United Walk raises important funding and awareness for the ALS cause. Organizers and volunteers are essential to making sure the Walk event runs smoothly and that everyone who attends has a positive experience. The new Scranton ALS United Walk could not be a success without the efforts of our May 2025 Volunteers of the Month: The University of Scranton Cheerleaders.

Cara Mia Hogan is the President of the University of Scranton Cheerleading team. In addition to making sure the team members are able to grow their skills and achieve success in competition, she encourages them to be involved in the community. The cheerleaders are eager to give back by volunteering locally.

In 2024, ALS United Mid-Atlantic announced a new ALS United Walk in Scranton to better connect with ALS families in the area. When Cara and the cheerleading team heard about the walk, they were excited at the opportunity. The ALS cause touched their hearts because many of the cheerleaders had been at University of Scranton when former University President Rev. Scott Pilarz S. J. passed away from ALS in 2021.

For the cheerleading team, the Scranton ALS United Walk was a way to embrace the legacy of Rev. Pilarz. As the cold air filled the ballpark on Walk day, the young women on the team were comforted by the positive impact that Rev. Pilarz made on the University and the city of Scranton.

“The Walk experience has been like no other,” said Cara. “You are immediately greeted by warm and helpful volunteers and staff who help make the day a success.”

Of course, the reason those staff and volunteers could make the Walk day a success is because of the volunteer efforts from the University of Scranton cheerleaders. Bringing a new ALS United Walk to the area was only possible when organizers could be sure that volunteers would be available on Walk day. Because of the help of Cara Mia Hogan and her team, the second Scranton ALS United Walk takes place on Saturday, May 3rd.

On Walk day, the cheerleaders rooted for all of the Walk teams as they made their way past the starting line. Their enthusiasm brightened the day for ALS patients and team members. Many of the cheerleaders are in the Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Professionals program at the University of Scranton, so participating in an event for ALS was extra special for them as they had a deeper appreciation for ALS.

In addition to cheering on the Walk teams, the cheerleaders helped to set up and take down tables and banners to help the Walk run smoothly. They also spent weeks promoting the event locally, including sharing flyers and news on social media. One of their favorite volunteer jobs was face painting for the kids who attended the walk, helping to make the event a true family affair.

“Growing up in the area, we had very little exposure to ALS, so it was extra special to have an ALS United Walk in Scranton,” added Cara. “It was great to see our community come together for such a special cause that united our athletes from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.”

In addition to Pre-Med students, many of the cheerleaders have STEM backgrounds and care deeply about advancing medical research. Cara is also a caregiver herself and is passionate about finding cures for diseases like ALS because she understands the stress that it can have on caregivers and families. They hope to exceed their fundraising goal this year and bring more attention to the need to advance research funding.

This Volunteer of the Month recognition is for a true team effort. In 2025, there will be seven freshman cheerleaders joining eight returning cheerleaders to support the Scranton ALS United Walk. They are doubling down on the ALS cause to cheer on the ALS patients, families, and researchers as they work towards a cure. These new team members look forward to learning more about ALS, understanding the work it takes to develop new treatments, and making a positive difference along the way.

ALS United Mid-Atlantic thanks Cara Mia Hogan and the University of Scranton Cheerleaders for putting the ALS cause on their shoulders and cheering loudly for the ALS cause.

Join the 2025 ALS United Walk now at www.alsunitedwalk.org.