This month, we honor some of our many dedicated volunteers. Today, we’re learning more about Randy Gregory, Jr. Randy uses eye gaze technology to communicate, so the below responses were written by using that tool. 

In what roles do you currently volunteer at I AM ALS? 

I am a volunteer with the Community Outreach Team, I participate on the Lou Gehrig Day Team, I participate in the Tim Lowery Panel discussions, I am a volunteer with the Clinical Trials Team, the Legislative Affairs Team, the Many Shades Team, the Scribes of Strength Team, and the Team Up for ALS Team. 

Additionally, I am training for a Peer Support Specialist, and I attend support group meetings. It seems like a lot, but it goes with my life before the ALS journey. I was married, raised five children, Tyler, Asia, Randy, Ryan and Neysa and worked full-time as a Special Agent with IRS Criminal Investigation. I was a Community College Basketball Coach, for over 20 years, 16 of the twenty as the Head Coach. I have always been a busy bee… Volunteering for I AM ALS provides me the opportunity to be myself—I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve!

How has volunteering with I AM ALS changed your life or the life of your family?

Volunteering with I AM ALS has rekindled my heart for service, and helped me realize that advocating for a cause is more important than any job I have had. I believe it is what God has for me to do, in order to make a significant impact. Similar to my role as a coach, how can I help people on this ALS journey, is how I see it.

I think volunteering for I AM ALS has and will continue to help my children see that Dad is still Dad. Additionally, it has exposed them to service, and the importance of legislation. Being of voting age, all of my children have lent their support for some of the legislative actions, identified by I AM ALS.

Why did you initially decide to get involved with I AM ALS as a volunteer?

A dear high school friend shared the “For Love & Life, No Ordinary Campaign” documentary film with me. Learning of Brian’s and Sandra’s journey to make a significant impact for the ALS Community, I immediately wanted to join their efforts.

What would you tell others who are facing similar circumstances about what they could gain by volunteering with I AM ALS? 

I would tell other people living with ALS (PALS) and caregivers of people with ALS (CALS) that volunteering for I AM ALS can be very rewarding. Not only are you working towards a cure that will help yourself or a loved one, but you are helping others on your shared journey, others who have lost their lives to ALS, and others who have no idea how much the life that they know is about to change in a way that they could not imagine.

Within the organization and the ALS Community, you can find the areas to support that you have an interest in, and apply your abilities and skills to. Additionally, you will have the opportunities to learn about ALS, that can benefit yourself, your family and others.

Any other words of advice you’d like to share?

None of us signed up for this ALS journey, or even suspected it to be part of our lives. I believe that we are here for a reason. We do not know why we are here, or what difference that we can make. Getting involved in the fight for a cure, can not only help the ALS Community, but being active in the fight, can keep one’s mind off the circumstances of ALS. The negativity associated with ALS is heavy enough, there’s no benefit from dwelling on the negative. Infuse your hope, jump in the fight…We welcome your help!