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MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala to Honor ALS Advocate Justin Upchurch with Steve Ennis Hope Award

The 19th annual event has raised more than $13 million for ALS research and care.

Atlanta, GA, Monday, February 9, 2026 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced the 19th Annual MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala, presented by CITGO Petroleum Corporation, will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta. Benefiting research and care for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the event is one of the nation’s largest fundraisers dedicated to ALS, having raised more than $13 million since its founding in 2006.

This year’s gala will honor Justin Upchurch and his family, with Upchurch receiving the Steve Ennis Hope Award, which recognizes people who have demonstrated strength, leadership, and commitment to advancing ALS research, care, and advocacy. Proceeds from the event support MDA’s efforts to accelerate ALS research and expand access to expert, multidisciplinary care through the MDA Care Center Network. Information on tickets, sponsorships, and donations is available here.

Upchurch was diagnosed with ALS in 2020 at age 39 and receives care through the MDA/ALS Care Center at Emory Healthcare. Reflecting on the moment he received his diagnosis, Upchurch said, “I remember the day that I was initially diagnosed, standing in line waiting to check out, just trying to wrap my brain around the words that I had just heard. Where did this come from, and what are we going to do? How are we going to deal with this? I am very blessed that the MDA/ALS Care Center at Emory is close to where we live; otherwise, I’m not sure I’d be where I am holistically today. ALS is an odious disease meant to ravish and steal; however, I feel that this disease has provided me the opportunity to cross-paths with some of the finest people I know, and the best ALS medical professionals to support me throughout my journey.”

Jonathan Glass, MD, MDA Care Center Director of the MDA/ALS Care Center at Emory School of Medicine said, “Events like the Muscular Dystrophy Association Atlanta Night of Hope Gala not only raise money for ALS research but raise awareness to the community on the importance of this work. Our patients and their families depend on clinicians and scientists like me to find answers, and we depend on funding organizations like the Muscular Dystrophy Association to support the work we do.” 

Advancing ALS Research and Care

Since the 1950s, MDA has invested more than $180 million in ALS research, in addition to funding multidisciplinary care teams within its nationwide Care Center Network. MDA supports more than 150 care centers, including 48 designated MDA/ALS Care Centers, connecting individuals living with ALS to expert care and clinical trials.

Sustained investment has helped drive progress across the ALS research landscape. In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Qalsody (tofersen), the first treatment targeting a genetic form of ALS caused by SOD1 mutations. Events such as the MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala help support continued momentum in research, care, and advocacy for the ALS community.

MDA’s multidisciplinary care model brings together neurologists, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and social workers to address the complex needs of ALS. Research shows this approach can improve quality of life and survival compared to standard care. Watch the MDA ALS story here.

About MDA’s Steve Ennis Hope Award

The MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala was founded by Holly and Palmer Proctor in honor of Holly’s father, Steve Ennis, whose strength and determination during his life with ALS inspired the creation of the event. In 2010, the Steve Ennis Hope Award was established to recognize his legacy and honor people or organizations demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing ALS research, care, and advocacy. Steve Ennis, former chairman of the board of Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Tullahoma, was diagnosed with ALS in July 2005 and passed away from the disease in January 2012. His resilience and hope continue to serve as a cornerstone of the gala and its supporters. Justin Upchurch is the 2026 recipient of the Steve Ennis Hope Award.

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Champions: Allegiance Services/Next Solutions LLC, Choate Construction, DIRECTV, Sierra AI, SYNERGIES3 TEC SERVICES
Stars: Ameris Bank, Asurion, Big Green Egg, Sandy Ennis, FiOptix
Winners: Arrowhead Clinic, Coca-Cola Southeastern Container, DIRECTV for Business Northside Hospital
Co-Chairs: Jordan Ennis, John Sellers
Committee Members: Lisa Barr, Josh Berthelot, Guy Byars, Alisa Cain, Jordan Cain, Debra Cox, Lindsay Cox, Amy Gallagher, Chris Gant, Abbey Glass, Sheri Hofherr, Carl Johnson, Libby Patrick, Brigitte Peck, Rachel Pourchier, Holly Proctor, Rachel Smith. Amy Spivia, Julie Turner

Updates for this event will be posted here.

Media contact press@mdausa.org.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.