My Journey and What the Flags Mean to Me.

A beautiful oil painting describing a real point in time. My story was read by my friend Patrick at this year's event.

My name is Juan Escalera, and I am proud to be a part of the ALS community as an advocate, mentor, artist, writer, and leader in the ALS community. I'm the recipient of this year’s Amplify Awareness Award. This award is not mine alone—it belongs to every flag that you see here. We are all one community! Living with ALS has brought challenges, but it has also given me a purpose: to inspire, support, uplift, and connect with others who share this journey. We are not just one person lost and scared. We are a community of the strongest WARRIORS on this planet. We have no quit in the pursuit of a cure for the future ALS Warriors.

As a volunteer with I AM ALS, I embrace several meaningful roles. I am a Peer Mentor, offering support and hope to others navigating ALS. I contribute to the Strength of Scribes writing team, where we use the power of storytelling to raise awareness and foster understanding. I am also a Community Clubs Group Expert in one of the biggest Facebook group, guiding discussions and ensuring our online community remains a resourceful space. Additionally, I have pioneered a first-of-its-kind Facebook support group, where all Admin Team members are proud volunteers for I AM ALS. The group is known as ALS Warriors: PALS & CALS Together We Fight. Together, we provide resources, share events, and amplify the voices of those affected by this disease.

One of my most cherished initiatives as a Bridging Voice Ambassador involves helping others explore alternative communication technologies, showcasing how AI can empower those of us who have lost our voices. From one-on-one mentoring to global outreach, I aim to inspire others to find resilience and purpose in life with ALS. All Ambassadors are the key volunteer group of Bridging Voice. We also take pride in being the team that shares all upcoming events and share about all of the services that they provide for the ALS community free of charge.

The flag is a powerful symbol that holds profound meaning for me. The color of our flags, its solid blue color—a shade slightly darker than baby blue—will serve as a poignant reminder of ALS awareness. Each flag is adorned with names of individuals diagnosed with ALS or those who carry an ALS gene, alongside their diagnosis dates. They also honor our fallen brothers and sisters. These flags represent unity, strength, and remembrance, each one telling a story of perseverance and hope. To me, the flag reflects the heart of our community's mission: to stand together, honor each journey, and push forward toward a future without ALS. They are not just flags—they are my family, my brothers and sisters.

My story is not unique at all. The day I saw the flags a few years back made my story. I came to I AM ALS a broken man. The staff and all the kind volunteers helped pull me out of darkness. So, when I saw the flags for the first time, I got upset at first. What crossed my mind was all of the family who are suffering because of ALS.

A person who is not part of our community can just see a basic tiny flag. I see an endless sea of my brothers and sisters who need help like I needed. To our fallen warriors, you are not with us in body, but we will never allow your spirit to be forgotten. As my friend Patrick read in the beginning, all of these things were done because of these flags that are all around you. A blue sea of endless hope!

These flags are a big part of why I became an ALS Advocate. In the beginning, I didn’t even realize that I was becoming an ALS Advocate. The flags are more than just a piece of material—they are the foundation of who I have become. I’ll be forever tied to the flags, and when the day comes when I’m no longer around, I hope my story inspires others to pick up the torch. Continue advocating for awareness and burn your own torch high for others to see. The hottest part of a flame is blue—the same exact color as our flags; it signifies a more efficient and complete combustion, resulting in higher temperatures. A blue flame indicates a good mix of yourself and oxygen. Let our flames and flags be a source of hope and not pain. Together, we burn brightly, fueled by unity, strength, and the unwavering pursuit of a world without ALS.

Thank you all for the time you took out to hear my story. A special thanks to my friend and mentor who took the time to read this for everyone. Thank you again Patrick!

Juan Escalera AKA The Resilient Scribe