Ever since senior Zoe Lalji’s father was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in November 2017, she has been on a mission to fight for a cure, being a voice for the ALS community.  ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that paralyzes its patients and slowly traps them in their own body. They cannot move, eat, chew, or talk, all they have is their mind.

Zoe and her brother, sophomore Zade Lalji, have created the Lalji’s ALS Foundation, an official nonprofit 501(c)(3), in the hopes of finding a cure for the disease. Zoe has participated in multiple TED Talks and organized a day of silence at The Village School as a part of her mission to raise awareness for the disease.

On Saturday, January 12, 2019, Zoe was recognized this Saturday at the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon for her efforts in trying to bring about change and find a cure for ALS. She spoke about her experience running a nonprofit and how she has managed to stay strong through her love for her father.