Eric’s Fight Against ALS
Meet Eric Stevens
Eric Stevens is courageously battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) with everything he has. Every day presents new physical challenges. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, dressing, feeding himself, and walking have become increasingly difficult. He can no longer drive, write, or bathe independently. Yet despite these hardships, Eric still walks, speaks clearly, and eats without assistance, and we focus on those victories as he continues his fight against this devastating disease.
Eric finds strength and motivation in his greatest joy: our daughter, Peyton. Though ALS has taken away his ability to lift her, run beside her, or hold her when she’s upset, their bond is unbreakable. Peyton loves climbing onto “Dada’s” lap to watch a show, giving him bedtime kisses, and waking him up with early morning snuggles. Eric may not be the active dad he once envisioned, but in the face of ALS, he’s showing what it truly means to be a devoted and loving father.
Since Eric’s ALS diagnosis, we’ve dedicated ourselves to transforming a broken system that limits patient access to promising therapies. One of Eric’s most meaningful achievements was advocating for the ACT for ALS, which was signed into law on December 23, 2021. This landmark legislation established a national Expanded Access grant program to fund research and provide investigational ALS treatments to patients who are ineligible for clinical trials. It’s a major win for the ALS community, but there is still so much more to be done.
Every donation to the axeALS Foundation directly supports getting ALS drugs into patients’ bodies faster and helps us continue the fight for access, awareness, and hope. Eric’s mission also includes supporting firefighters and first responders affected by ALS, a cause close to his heart. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to raise ALS awareness, drive change, and help #axeALS.
Eric’s Latest ALS Update
Eric Stevens is four years into his ALS diagnosis. Before being diagnosed with ALS, Eric was a standout college and NFL fullback and named Weightlifter of the Year at Cal Berkeley. He served as an L.A. City firefighter, risking his life daily to help others. Now, he needs assistance with nearly every aspect of daily living. He cannot drive, hold a pen to write, or feed or bathe himself. He is no longer able to lift his arms overhead, get up from the ground or a chair, dress himself, clip his fingernails, or shave. At just 33 years old, ALS has taken away his independence.
Eric is still able to walk short distances with help but relies primarily on his power wheelchair. He continues to drink and eat soft foods, but had a feeding tube placed in May 2023. At night, he uses a BiPap machine to assist with breathing while he sleeps. Although his speech has slowed and changed, Eric still speaks clearly. He reads to his two-year-old daughter Peyton, sings to her, and teaches her about animals, sports, and the world he loves.
A Personal ALS Message from Eric Stevens
“This system is not working for patients living with ALS today. My hope is to make ALS a more well-known disease, raise funds for promising treatments and clinical trials, and motivate people in power to make changes that allow terminally ill patients to fight for their lives.”
“ALS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE DISEASE, costing patients an estimated $300,000 a year. The majority of patients bankrupt their families with the costs, and an even larger number simply can’t afford the cost to STAY ALIVE, so they don’t. Can you imagine – having to stop BEING ALIVE because it’s too expensive?”
With the rising cost of healthcare, many families are struggling to pay for ALS treatments. If you would like to make a contribution to axeALS Foundation, click on the link below to access our PayPal.
