arts
South Florida woman turns ALS diagnosis into mission to raise awareness, inspire others in fight against disease
By Najahe Sherman at CBS4 Miami
· June 23, 2026
· 2 min read
Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters, this year's Walk to Defeat ALS Champion, Lourdes Machado, was shining with hope.Diagnosed with ALS in May 2025, she's turned her journey into a mission to raise awareness and inspire others in the fight against the disease."Obviously there's no cure, an
Key takeaway Diagnosed with ALS in May 2025, she's turned her journey into a mission to raise awareness and inspire others in the fight against the disease.
Why this matters in The Miami
In Miami , where the University of Miami is driving research efforts, the impact of ALS awareness and fundraising is particularly significant. The city's diverse community, with strong Latin American and Caribbean ties, can benefit greatly from the groundbreaking work being done at the university. As researchers like Dr. Nathan Carberry explore new treatments and genetic therapies, families affected by ALS in Miami-Dade County may soon have access to improved care and resources. The Walk to Defeat ALS, with its local champion Lourdes Machado, demonstrates the power of community support in the face of this debilitating disease. With the ALS Association's partnership with the University of Miami, the money raised through events like the Walk to Defeat ALS will stay in Florida, directly benefiting families in Miami and beyond, providing them with vital resources, support, and care.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters, this year's Walk to Defeat ALS Champion, Lourdes Machado, was shining with hope.Diagnosed with ALS in May 2025, she's turned her journey into a mission to raise awareness and inspire others in the fight against the disease."Obviously there's no cure, an
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Najahe Sherman at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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