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As we enter the final stretch of the year, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to our incredible community of patients, families, donors, and advocates. Steering the Jim “Catfish” Hunter ALS Foundation forward is an absolute honor, and as we look toward closing out 2026, our mission to support individuals living with ALS across North Carolina remains stronger than ever. Behind every diagnosis is a family navigating an uncertain path, and our foundation stands committed to walking alongside you with direct assistance, care resources, and unwavering hope.

To keep our momentum going, our Board of Directors is meeting next week to finalize our strategic priorities and funding allocations for the upcoming year. Crucially, the link for our 4th Quarter Grant Applications is now officially live on our website! If you or a loved one are an ALS patient in North Carolina in need of financial assistance for equipment, home accessibility modifications, or caregiving support, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Ensuring our local families receive the relief and dignity they deserve is at the heart of everything we do.

Beyond our immediate work, there is real cause for optimism across the broader ALS community right now. Headlines across the internet have highlighted major breakthroughs in neurodegenerative research, including ongoing national clinical consortiums expanding biosample repositories and progress in non-invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) that enable patients to communicate using AI-decoded speech. Furthermore, recent advancements in blood-based proteomics are allowing researchers to detect key biomarkers earlier than ever before. Every discovery like this brings us one step closer to better therapies and, ultimately, a world without ALS.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us, spread awareness, and support our mission. Whether you are applying for a quarterly grant, planning to join us at our upcoming events, or simply sharing our cause, your dedication keeps Jimmy’s legacy alive.

Together, we will keep fighting and moving forward.

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to is.” -Jim “Catfish” Hunter

The sports world was hit with devastating news recently when former NFL star running back Chris Johnson -affectionately known to fans as “CJ2K” for his historic 2,000-yard rushing season- shared on Good Morning America that he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

At just 40 years old, Chris revealed that the progressive neurodegenerative disease has advanced with heartbreaking speed since his diagnosis in 2025. A man who once defined elite physical speed and strength now uses a speech-generating device controlled by his eyes to communicate.

Yet, in his interview, Chris delivered a message that didn’t dwell on defeat, but radiated courage:

“ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am. If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope, then it’s worth it.”

Chris’s choice to step onto a national stage and use his platform to raise awareness is an inspiration. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to Chris, his wife Brittany, and their children as they navigate this journey.

From Awareness to Local Action

When a high profile figure like Chris Johnson shares his journey so vulnerably, it does something vital: it strips away the anonymity of this disease and forces the world to see the urgent, immediate need for funding, advocacy, and breakthrough science.

But national awareness only goes so far without local action. That is where our foundation steps in.

While Chris fights his battle on a national stage, we are on the ground right here in North Carolina, fighting for the individuals and families facing this exact same reality every single day. An ALS diagnosis changes a family’s world overnight, bringing immense emotional, physical, and financial hurdles. Our mission is to ensure that no one in our community has to carry that burden alone.

Fueling the Hope for a Breakthrough

Lou Gehrig’s Disease is notoriously brutal, gradually robbing individuals of their ability to move, speak, and breathe. But as Chris pointed out, there is a reason to hold onto hope. Right now, there are more clinical trials, experimental treatments, and brilliant minds collaborating than ever before.

Progress, however, requires resources.

Every dollar we raise through our foundation directly funds critical local support services and care resources. When you support our fundraising events and initiatives, you are directly investing in the relief of ALS patients all over North Carolina.

Chris Johnson’s diagnosis is a sobering reminder of how precious time is, but his spirit is a call to action. We are more dedicated than ever to pushing forward, raising vital funds, and supporting the brilliant research that will, one day, make ALS a disease of the past.

How You Can Help

We invite you to join us in honoring Chris’s courage by turning awareness into action. Whether through a direct donation, volunteering, or participating in our upcoming fundraising events, your support provides real, tangible hope to ALS patients and their loved ones right here in North Carolina.

Together, we can ensure that the light shone on this disease never fades until we find a cure.

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to is.” –Jim “Catfish” Hunter

In my first note to you, I shared how humbled I am to lead this Foundation and how committed we remain to the path Tommy set for us. Part of honoring that legacy is ensuring we are doing everything in our power to provide tangible relief to those who need it most. I am pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2026, our grant applications are officially open again.

We know that for families across North Carolina, an ALS diagnosis brings not just emotional weight, but significant practical and financial challenges. Our grant program is designed to help alleviate some of those burdens, providing support so patients and their families can focus on what matters most: spending time together and maintaining quality of life.

If you or a loved one are navigating life with ALS, I encourage you to visit our website to review the updated grant information and submission guidelines. Our team is ready to review applications and continue the vital work of connecting North Carolinians with the resources they need.

Thank you for your continued patience, your support, and your dedication to this community. We are honored to stand with you.

Winning isn’t everything. But wanting to is. –Jim “Catfish” Hunter