
ALS UNITED MID-ATLANTIC'S
FLAME OF HOPE AWARDS
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FLAME OF HOPE AWARDS
The Flame of Hope Awards highlight individuals who exemplify ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s mission priorities of Care Services, Advocacy, and Research & Innovation.

Advocacy:
Representative Bryan Cutler
Representative Cutler has been a dedicated champion for the ALS community, inspired by his personal experience losing both parents to ALS. First elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006, he has used his platform to advance awareness, advocacy, and support for people living with ALS and their families.
Throughout his legislative career, Representative Cutler has been a leading advocate for ALS funding in Pennsylvania’s state budget, helping secure millions of dollars for neurodegenerative disease research. He has also been a steadfast partner during ALS Advocacy Day, amplifying the voices of the ALS community and helping advance policies that bring hope to families affected by ALS.
As he concludes his career in public service, ALS United Mid-Atlantic is honored to recognize Representative Cutler with the Flame of Hope Award for Advocacy for his compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the fight against ALS.

Care Services:
The Powell Family Foundation
ALS United Mid-Atlantic is proud to honor the Powell Family Foundation with the Flame of Hope Award for Care in recognition of their extraordinary generosity and lasting commitment to people living with ALS and their families.
The Powell family's impact on the ALS community began with a transformational gift from Arthur Powell, who established a legacy of compassion and support in honor of his wife, Lea. Their generosity helped strengthen ALS United Mid-Atlantic's ability to provide essential care services, and today, the Arthur and Lea Powell Care Services Program carries their names as a tribute to their commitment.
ALS United Mid-Atlantic is honored to recognize the Powell Family Foundation for their leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to ensuring no family faces ALS alone.

Innovation:
Eric Brunner and Allie Coultas
Both graduates of Philadelphia art universities, Eric and Allie have made creativity central to their ALS journey. That creativity culminated in Flickering Souls: Illuminating ALS, a powerful installation featuring 256 3D-printed portraits of individuals living with or lost to ALS. Each portrait flickers with light, symbolizing the motor neurons affected by the disease.
After 700 hours of printing and nearly two years of building and collaboration with family and friends, the installation was brought to life at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Through their art, Eric and Allie are bringing ALS into public spaces, sparking conversations, and introducing new audiences to the ALS community. ALS United Mid-Atlantic is honored to recognize their innovative spirit and dedication to illuminating the experience of ALS.