Support Katrina's Safe Shelter and Recovery

Help ALS Advocate Katrina Byrd find safety, comfort, and hope

We are taking a break from ALS advocacy today to raise funds to help one of our own. On September 11, Katrina Byrd’s home in Jackson, Mississippi, sustained heavy damage as Hurricane Francine tore through her area. While she has insurance, she is unable to afford the high deductible ($5,000) or absorb any costs that are not covered. More immediately, she needs safe temporary housing for herself, her dog (Boots), and her cat (Midnight) while she assesses her options. We currently estimate a total need of about $15,000 to get Katrina back on her feet -- and more could truly give her a fresh start.

For those who do not know her, Katrina Byrd is a freelance writer and playwright. She entered the world of ALS advocacy in 2020 following the death of her partner of 23 years, Dora, just 76 days after diagnosis. Living below the poverty line, Katrina and Dora endured the unthinkable challenges of ALS with minimal resources to support them. Now, four years later, Katrina brings her unique voice to ensure that when we advocate for ALS families, we advocate for everyone - especially those who live on the margins, are underprivileged, minorities or LGBTQ+. Those of us who work with Katrina know that her voice makes us stronger and more inclusive. See for yourself in the links to her work below.

Katrina’s volunteer accomplishments within the ALS community are numerous. She is a NEALS Research Ambassador who has served with more than a dozen ALS organizations, including I AM ALS, Live Like Lou, Everything ALS, NEALS, ALS Hope Foundation, and ALS Problem Solvers. In 2023, she was selected as an International Patient Fellow for the ALS / MND Symposium in Basel, Switzerland, and she presented a poster that she co-authored to members of the international research community (pictured). At each ALS meeting she attends, Katrina can be seen with her trademark - a feathered boa - which she uses to help spread her message of hope and inspiration. If you are lucky, she may just flounce her boa at you!

Thank you for helping support Katrina in this urgent time of need. While the ALS community has no shortage of fundraisers, there is nothing more basic and human than taking care of someone who does so much to take care of others - many of whom do not have her voice, talent, and flair. Whether you can contribute yourself, or share with your network, you can play a role in helping this extraordinary “Boa Flouncer” live in safe shelter while she keeps making important contributions to ALS research and care.

Your support goes directly to Katrina.

With gratitude for Katrina and for any help you are able to provide,

Friends of Katrina Byrd

Danielle Boyce

Jill Brattain

Lynn Brielmaier

Cathy Collet

Jenny Gore Dwyer

Troy Fields

Bob Hebron

Diane Hoey

Bobby Kipp

Amy Rempel

David Shulman

Pete Spencer

ALS Honey Badgers

Link to Katrina Byrd’s works:

- Video: Katrina’s presentation at the 2022 STAT Summit (link )

- Article: Katrina’s essay on her experience with ALS (link )

- Audio: Katrina on the I’m Dying to Tell You podcast (link )

- Article: Katrina’s interview in Rooted Magazine (link )

- Video: Katrina’s recent interview in her local community (link )