Push-Ups for ALS
McCaskey High School, Lancaster, PA

On April 8, 2026, the sports field at J. P. McCaskey High School became more than just a place for competition and athletics. It became a space filled with determination, remembrance, hope, and community as students, families, friends, and supporters gathered for the Push-Ups for ALS fundraiser organized by Yentli Soto Albrecht.

The event honored the life of Yentli’s father, Brother Frank, a beloved McCaskey teacher who passed away from ALS at the age of 66. While the disease has already taken so much from her family, Yentli now faces her own unimaginable reality as a genetic carrier of ALS, with a 95% chance of developing the disease herself. Rather than letting fear define her future, she has dedicated herself to advancing research as an MD-PhD searching for answers — and ultimately, a cure.

Despite the heavy reality surrounding the event, the atmosphere throughout the day was overwhelmingly joyful. Participants lined up to complete push-ups, cheer each other on, and contribute to a cause that touched everyone in attendance. Every push-up added to the fundraising total, transforming physical effort into tangible support for ALS research.

By the end of the event, more than 12,750 push-ups had been completed across the fundraiser, helping raise an incredible $53,000 for ALS research.

The day extended far beyond fitness challenges. Music filled the air as a DJ kept the energy high and attendees danced between activities. Food trucks gathered outside, giving families and supporters a chance to connect and celebrate the community that had formed around the cause.

Among the most moving moments of the event were speeches from two individuals currently living with ALS. Their stories brought a deeply personal perspective to the fundraiser, reminding everyone in attendance why events like this matter so profoundly. Their honesty, resilience, and courage left a lasting impact on the crowd and transformed the day into something far more meaningful than a fundraiser alone.

These photographs from the event capture those moments of connection — the exhaustion after a final push-up, the smiles between teammates, the embraces shared during emotional speeches, and the determination visible in every participant. Together, they tell the story of a community choosing action, hope, and compassion in the face of an unforgiving disease.

Push-Ups for ALS was not only a tribute to Brother Frank’s legacy, but also a powerful reminder that even in the midst of hardship, people can come together to create something uplifting, inspiring, and deeply human.