I am honored to be participating in the 2025 ALS Walk this month in memory of Sarah Maul Matz. We are raising funds to advance research, support families impacted by ALS, and spread awareness about this disease. If you knew Sarah, have loved ones touched by ALS, or feel moved to give, I would be grateful for your support.

I first met Sarah during our freshman year at Iowa State University, where we both joined Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was smart, driven, and had a great singing voice (a true sorority skill)!  After college, we moved to Minneapolis together to find low-paying jobs, a sketchy but fun apartment, and countless memories. Later, Sarah moved in with me when I bought a townhouse, and we later moved to Arizona together. There, she introduced me to her friend Alexa, who connected us with an amazing network that I am still friends with today. 

Sarah built a career leading global marketing teams, fostered dogs, sang with the Phoenix Symphony, and, most importantly, raised her little boy with her husband, Ryan. In 2024, Sarah began experiencing symptoms, and later that fall, she received the diagnosis of ALS. The disease progressed too quickly, and in April 2025, Sarah passed away.

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive, fatal disease that slowly robs the body of the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. Life expectancy averages just 2?5 years from diagnosis. ALS can strike anyone, and there is currently no known cause or cure.

Walking with friends in Sarah?s memory is one way to keep her spirit alive and do something meaningful.  Every donation helps move us closer to better treatments for ALS, and, one day, a cure. Thank you for helping me honor Sarah in such a special way.
Gretchen