We ride in memory of Becky Mourey, who passed away from ALS on 2/14/23.
...
Becky Mourey was an amazing wife, mom, and ALS Warrior and advocate. Becky began her advocacy work by participating in a clinical trial at MGH, and shortly after, she joined the I AM ALS advocacy group, eventually becoming co-chair of the I AM ALS Legislative Affairs Team . In June of 2021, she partnered with ALS One to host a 4K walk beginning at the Hopkinton, MA Town Common. At about the same time, she began to schedule meetings with politicians, such as Rep. Jake Auchincloss, in order to increase government support for faster ALS drug approval and increased ALS research funding. These meetings culminated in her persuasive and powerful speech at Senator Elizabeth Warren's Meet & Greet event, during which Becky explained how ALS is "100% fatal", and there "are currently only two very inadequate therapies on the market." She continued by asserting that the ALS community desperately needs people "with the platform to take action, to be our champions." She ended with a direct question. "Senator Warren, I know that when you put yourself 100% behind a cause, you get things done, you make things happen. Will you do everything in your power to support, to cosponsor, to push these two bills through this session, and rally your peers to do the same. Will you be our Champion?" Clutching her walker, wavering on her feet, but not in her convictions, Becky stood confidently, bravely, and defiantly. Very few people would have been able to say no to her that day. As a result of her determination, as well as the tireless work of her I Am ALS Legislative Affairs teammates, ACT for ALS was signed into law on December 23, 2021.
After December of 2021, Becky's advocacy work continued, with a focus on getting ALS patients access to the promising drug, AMX0035. Becky had been fighting to get ALS patients access to AMX0035 since learning of its promising Phase 2 trial results. After countless email campaigns, and 2 Advisory Committee meetings, AMX0035 won approval from the FDA and is now known as Relyvrio.
Becky was a force multiplier. During her 2.5 year long ALS battle, her selfless actions triggered a chain reaction of compassion, courage, and strength, pushing the needs of the ALS community to the forefront of ALS research. We implore you to continue to honor Becky by supporting our ride, supporting ALS TDI, and doing whatever it takes to exponentially grow the chain reaction that Becky started. As Becky once said during her 2022 Stephen Heywood Patients Today Award acceptance speech, “Collectively, we can and will carry each other to the winner’s circle.”
#EndALS #BeLikeBecky
