Michael Bereman ALS Scientist, Husband and Father

Michael Seth Bereman, age 39, passed away on March 17, 2021 after a nearly 6 year battle with ALS.  When he was diagnosed in 2015 with ALS, rather than turn inwards, Michael, as a highly respected scientist, dedicated his life to understanding ALS each and every day in the hopes to unravel the causes and discover potential treatments for ALS.  He did this not for himself, he did this for the entire ALS community - that was the kind of person Michael was.  He literally was writing another manuscript for publication just a few days before he passed.  For those that knew Michael, he was so determined to make a difference and inspired us to follow the advice of Jimmy V "Don't give up, Don't every give up"!  Michael worked from a wheel chair the last two years of his life, he could not move, he could not talk - he sat there using modern technology writing code to analyze data, write manuscripts, write proposals -  using only his eyes, one letter and symbol at a time.  Remarkable determination to make a difference for those suffering from ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease).  How did Michael get up and spend every day doing research on a disease that he knew was taking his life?  It is because he was simply put, an amazing person and scientist - he was truly a selfless human being - the kind of person you want to have on your side in any battles you are facing. 

Learn more about Michael's Story Here:  https://vimeo.com/245442974

Michael was not just a dedicated scientist but a dedicated and loving father and husband.  He loved his wife and children dearly and he would often tell others how he knew his disease was really making his wife and father tired and would shed tears as he felt terrible.  His wife, truly an angel on this Earth, relentlessly and without ever complaining held that family together, supported her husband, loved her husband and also never gave up hope.  They both lived their wedding vows each and every day, they did not have to remember them, they dedicated their lives to one another and their children.  Michael was a family man and cherished how lucky he was, long before his diagnosis with ALS, to have found his soulmate and to have built their lives together.    

When Michael has hired back to his Alma Mater (NC State University) he was in his early 30's and was just beginning his independent scientific career and most people at this age are not really contemplating purchasing large life insurance policies.  Once he was diagnosed with ALS it was too late to provide for his family in this way.  Michael was an educator, loved learning, loved teaching, pushed students and his colleagues to reach their true potential.  He inspired people around him and had a creative and brilliant mind.  Thus, the purpose of this GoFundMe is to raise funds to be put into two NC529 accounts in his children's name with his wife Meagan Bereman being the owner of the two 529 accounts. I will withdraw the funds and work with Meagan to setup the two NC529 accounts and split these funds evenly into the two accounts. This fundraising is for Michael's children, providing support for their college education.  Each and every contribution matters regardless of the amount.  While the goal is set at $100,000, it would be great if as a community if we could exceed that.  There are so many people who suffer from ALS along with their families.  Michael inspired so many at NC State and that research will not end with Michael's passing - that is a promise I made to Michael as we worked together over the past 5 years on ALS.  This disease can and will be figured out.



After Michael’s passing, his loving wife Meagan posted the following:

“My beloved.  My everything.  The greatest gift of my life.  My precious Michael.  

I’m Numb. My Heart is shattered. It doesn’t seem real typing these words...

But you are finally whole again...and I praise your victory in heaven after conquering the disgusting monster that is ALS!  You fought every day, with every fiber of your being, until your very last breath, and I am honored to have shared in this journey and life with you.  Our love created the second greatest gifts of my life...our shining stars, our world changers, our resilient, beautiful, brave children...and I am eternally grateful.  

You were full of fire for everything...work, sports, science, politics, and most importantly your people.  You were kind to everyone...even if their views or beliefs were different than yours, you enjoyed challenging them and joking with them and urging them to do better.  

You made me laugh.  Every. Single. Day.  (even if there were major eye rolls involved).  It is my most favorite thing about you.  I love our humor with each other, all our inside jokes and all your ridiculous nicknames for EVERYONE.  

I loved listening to music with you.  Traveling with you.  Watching the stars and looking for satellites with you, being one with God in nature with you, loving and embracing life with you.  You were the true definition of unconditional love and care and forever my safe place.  

I don’t know how I am going to do it without you, but i'm going to fight everyday to figure it out and give our babies all they deserve and more, reminding them daily of our love, your love, and the difference we can make if we live life to the fullest EVERY. DAY. just like you.  

 You are the bravest and most brilliant person I know.  Our journey has been far from easy, but Your tireless dedication and research will without a doubt continue to change the world and help us find a cure to ALS.  One day a family will never have to face this vile beast because of you, and that is my ultimate prayer.  

There will never be enough or adequate words to explain my feelings or how much I will forever miss you but I know you are always with us and walking beside us and shining love down on us...and one day….one heavenly day we will all be together again.  

I love you more than anything my precious one.  Rest in Eternity my love.“


We all know the major expenses in life are mortgages, cars and college for our children. While college years are a long ways away, the sooner we can reach (or exceed our goal) will allow for investments to hopefully double those funds to be used for their education.  Thank you for considering a donation, it is more than appreciated.  You are supporting a family that has been hurting for a long time, you are supporting a man who dedicated his remaining years on Earth to ALS, you are also supporting ALS awareness.  If you search Michael Bereman you will find a lot more videos, pictures and stories about Michael. They will bring tears to your eyes as did this GoFundMe page.  Michael was a gentle kind soul who had a drive, a passion, and an intellect that was second to none.