October Volunteer of the Month: Samantha Pattinson

For many families, ALS enters their lives quietly with symptoms that don’t immediately add up. For Samantha Pattinson and her family, it began in 2021, when her father experienced trouble breathing and severe gastric issues that caused dramatic weight loss. After months of searching for answers, a pulmonologist first raised the possibility of ALS. In June 2022, their fears were confirmed when a neurologist officially diagnosed Sam’s dad with ALS.

“Watching him struggle without answers was heartbreaking,” Sam recalls. “Even after the diagnosis, nothing prepared me for how quickly the disease would progress.”

Like so many families, Sam and her loved ones had little understanding of ALS before that moment. “I think the Ice Bucket Challenge made us all aware of ALS, but none of us truly understood what the disease involves,” she says.

That’s when ALS United Mid-Atlantic stepped in. Within weeks of her dad’s diagnosis, a nurse from the organization came to speak with him. “They were incredibly helpful in getting our family set up as we began caring for him,” Sam says. The family borrowed medical equipment that made a world of difference, and more importantly, they had someone they could call with questions or concerns.

Sam threw herself into learning everything she could about the disease, hoping to be the best caregiver possible. Along the way, she discovered hard-won lessons that she now shares with others: “Be ready with a motorized scooter and an adjustable bed. The scooter allowed my dad to get out of the house while he still could, and I’ll always be grateful we were able to find one on loan.”

Sam’s dad was able to attend just one Philadelphia Walk in 2022—and it was unforgettable. Her family’s team was one of the largest the walk had ever seen, raising nearly $15,000 that year. Since then, Sam and her sisters have committed themselves to keeping his spirit alive through action. They’ve attended every Lou Gehrig Night at the Phillies, volunteered at the Jersey Shore ALS United Ride, and rallied as Team Flock ALS at the Philadelphia ALS United Walk.

Team Flock ALS has raised more than $7,000 since 2023, bringing together more than 30 members in its first year. Even as the team scaled down in size last year, their dedication never wavered, and they raised nearly $2,000 to fuel the mission.

A volunteer who lights up a room
Since 2023, Sam has become a cornerstone volunteer for ALS United Mid-Atlantic, offering her time, energy, and heart wherever it’s needed most. Whether she’s cheering on riders at the Jersey Shore ALS United Ride, lending a hand at the Delaware ALS United Walk, or leading the Opening Ceremony with grace and passion, Sam shows up fully and always with a smile.

“She just lights up a room,” says Lexi Brace, Director of Marketing. “Even in the face of personal loss, she radiates hope. You can feel her love for her father in everything she does.”

Her impact extends beyond logistics. From handing out water bottles to sharing hugs with walkers, Sam has a way of making everyone feel seen. “It’s truly a beautiful experience to be part of—witnessing so many people come together in support or in memory of a loved one,” she says. “It fills me with hope for a brighter tomorrow.”

Why she volunteers
For Sam, volunteering isn’t just about giving back, it’s also about carrying forward. “This disease is devastating, and if I can contribute even in the smallest way—by volunteering my time at fundraising events—to support current patients or those who may be diagnosed in the future, then it’s all worth it.”

ALS often leaves families feeling powerless. But through her dedication, Samantha Pattinson has become a powerful reminder that love can fuel action, grief can inspire purpose, and hope can carry us all closer to a world without ALS.