September Volunteer of the Month: Marda Smith

When Marda’s husband, Lenny, was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, her family entered a world they knew little about. But through the challenges of navigating the disease, ALS United Mid-Atlantic became a source of support—offering emotional care, financial assistance through grants, hospice connections, and regular support meetings that helped her family feel less alone.

Reflecting on the journey, Marda emphasizes lessons she hopes others can carry forward: patience, prioritizing the person living with ALS, and ensuring they never feel like a burden. “Be loving and caring,” she said. “The time is limited…make them your priority.”

Carrying on Lenny’s Legacy
Lenny’s spirit continues to inspire Marda’s commitment to giving back. Marda proudly continues Lenny’s dream of hosting a golf outing, raising $23,000 in 2025 alone. She personally delivered checks to four families, witnessing firsthand the relief and gratitude her efforts brought.

“That’s what motivates me,” she explained. “People coming up to me and saying, ‘This is such a great thing to do’…that pushes you. I’m able to do this; I find a lot of gratification in it. It keeps part of Lenny in my life. He would be really happy that I’m continuing this.”

A Competitive Spirit at the Walk
Marda and her family have also been dedicated participants in the Lehigh Valley ALS United Walk.
Their team ranked number one in fundraising for three years, and she admits she loved the competitive spirit of it. More importantly, the Walks brought her family a sense of belonging. “We felt so welcomed,” she said. Even today, her family makes the Walk a priority over other personal commitments.

Why She Volunteers
For Marda, being part of the ALS community is something she feels compelled to do. “How could you not?” she asked. The community’s closeness, combined with projects like the 13 podcasts Lenny recorded with Jesse Meier, MSW, LSW, highlighted the importance of outreach and connection.

“…Just to bring happiness into their lives,” Marda said. It means the world to her to know she can bring a little bit of positivity to someone’s life, to ease their worries even a bit.

Finding Light in Hardship
Through it all, Marda remembers Lenny’s humor and perspective. He remained witty during his illness, often remarking, “It could be worse.” Remarkably, Lenny even expressed gratitude for his diagnosis, saying it allowed him to connect with people he would have otherwise never met.

Marda’s story is one of resilience, love, and carrying forward a legacy of care. Her dedication to the ALS community ensures that Lenny’s memory continues to bring comfort, support, and hope to
others.