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For six years, Sam Cunningham felt the subtle but persistent signs that something in his body wasn’t right—leg heaviness, twitching, and strength loss that didn’t add up. As an athlete, he knew his body, but getting answers proved to be a long and frustrating journey. In this episode, Sam shares what it’s like to finally receive an ALS diagnosis at 35, the emotional weight of being both devastated and validated, and how persistence, detailed documentation, and the right clinician ultimately connected the dots. We also explore exercise and ALS, adapting to new limits, and how faith, mindset, and unexpected support are helping him navigate this next chapter. Thank you for listening in. Hugs, Lorri

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This episode is tender. In 2021, I interviewed a 28-year-old woman named Leah Stavenhagen. She had been diagnosed with ALS at 26. I remember thinking how young she was. How unfair it felt. But Leah didn’t shrink after her diagnosis. She built something incredible. What began as “In Her ALS Shoes” is now known as Her ALS Story — a sisterhood for women diagnosed with ALS under 35. A place to feel seen & less alone. She also set out to show that ALS was not an "older white man's disease," that it could hit anyone, any age. Leah recently passed away at a young 33. Here, I sit down with 3 young ladies who are all living with ALS & active in Her ALS Story. Angelina Fanous, Gwen Petersen and Karin Pacold share what Leah meant to them personally & the impact of the Her ALS Story community during their own battle with ALS. As someone diagnosed with ALS at 38, I know the value of this sisterhood that Leah created. It truly can be a lifeline. I’m honored to share this tribute episode for Leah as we reflect on her impact and continue our fight in her memory. Thank you for listening and sharing in memory of Leah.

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Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling singer-songwriter Eric Paslay joins me to talk about about the night he drew my song idea out of a hat.

Eric brought his unique songwriting experience, "Song In A Hat" to Hop On A Cure's "Harmony for Hope"" event and something magical happened there. My "Song In A Hat" idea was randomly drawn. This led to me joining musicians Eric Paslay, Kristian Bush, Chris Gelbuda, Cyndi Thomson and DJ Goodman on stage to witness my song idea turn into an actual song - in under just 10 minutes. My idea was "Come Into Our World." My intent was to have a song created that would invite others to understand ALS and join our fight for a cure. Here we learn more about this master of music, talk about that evening and how we can wrap up the song and release to the world.

Eric has made a significant impact on the music industry with his hit singles "Friday Night", "Song About a Girl", and "She Don't Love You". He has written and co-written many hits for other artists, including Lady A, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Amy Grant, Dierks Bentley, Charles Kelley and more.

Eric co-wrote Jake Owen's "Barefoot Blue Jean Night", the Will Hoge/Eli Young Band song "Even If It Breaks Your Heart", and Love and Theft's "Angel Eyes" all of which were number 1 singles on the country charts.

He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 10 years old, and uses his platform to advocate for diabetes awareness, inspiring and supporting others living with the condition.

Listen in to our heartfelt and powerful conversation bursting with HOPE. Thank you for sharing with a friend.

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