Kevin Arbogast

Kathy Rice

Jim Hinkle

We also honor the memories of other ALS warriors who inspire us to continue this fight.

Shawn Carlile

Katherine Hutzell

On January 2, 2013, Sharon Ashby lost her battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  As an elementary teacher for over 30 years, Sharon always advocated for her students.  Now it is our turn to advocate for those who are still fighting this disease that took her from us too soon.

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular condition that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages two to five years from the time of diagnosis.

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against it. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.

ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need.  Acting Out for ALS Research is committed to helping these patients and their families.

Acting Out is dedicated to raising money to find a cure for ALS and to spreading awareness of this thief of a disease.  Founding members Mark and Jennifer Ashby (Sharon's younger son and daughter-in-law) and their creative team stage theatrical performances that involve local community members, with all proceeds to be donated either to the Washington, DC/Maryland/Virginia chapter of the ALS Association (www.alsa.org), or to local ALS warriors in need of assistance for home improvements, costs of treatments, etc.

Sharon loved children, she loved flowers, and she loved the color yellow.  Look in our logo, and you'll see she's still right there with us.