For Dr. Susan Smith, Associate Professor at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, the fight against ALS is more than a professional interest. It is a family mission rooted in love, remembrance, and community. Her father-in-law, Doug, passed away from the disease just before her daughter, Claire, was born in 2017. That loss continues to shape her family’s traditions, as well as her role as a pharmacist and educator. In honoring his memory, the Smiths have transformed birthdays, service projects, and community outreach into a powerful mission in search of a cure.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that attacks the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These neurons control voluntary movements, such as walking, talking, and breathing. Affecting one to two people out of 100,000 worldwide. ALS is fatal, with an average life expectancy of three to five years after diagnosis. ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in honor of the famous New York Yankees baseball player who was diagnosed with ALS on his 36th birthday in 1939; he died almost two years later. It is the Live Like Lou Foundation that the Smith family supports.
What began as a simple request for Claire’s first birthday—that friends and family bring donations for the Live Like Lou Foundation instead of gifts—has grown into an annual tradition that has raised more than $50,000. Now in its seventh year, Claire and her younger brother, Cooper, lead the way in creative acknowledgements of donors. Claire, an artist at heart, creates custom pieces of artwork for contributors, which are shared with ALS families to brighten their days. Cooper performs athletic feats for each donation, helping to “kick ALS out the door.”
Their efforts have reached far beyond their circle of family and friends. This year, the Oconee County Library hosted an exhibit of Claire’s artwork, sharing her story and the family’s mission with the broader northeast Georgia community.
The Smiths’ commitment extends well beyond fundraising. Partnering with UGA’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the family volunteers in service projects for ALS families. They rake leaves, decorate homes for the holidays, and offer companionship. “Having the kids out in the community with these families is so special,” Dr. Smith reflects. “It builds a connection between my children and their grandfather, who they never met, but who remains such a strong presence in our lives.”
For Dr. Smith, the most meaningful part of their efforts is seeing this bond between her children and their Grandpa Doug. “Through this work, Claire and Cooper know who he was, and they carry his story. Each year, that connection grows stronger. It is as if they are building a relationship with him through giving back.”
As a pharmacist, Dr. Smith channels her experiences into her teaching. “When my father-in-law was diagnosed, it was frustrating because there was nothing I could do pharmacologically,” she recalls. “Now that there are some medications available, pharmacists play bigger roles as educators, advocates, and trusted community members.” She incorporates end-of-life care into the third-year pharmacotherapy curriculum, encouraging students not only to help manage symptoms but also to support families with compassion and advocacy.
Dr. Smith’s efforts have been recognized on a professional platform. Because of her and her family’s selfless service, tireless advocacy, and compassionate leadership, she was presented the 2025 Outstanding Community Service Award from the Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists. In the program presentation, GSHP stated, “Dr. Smith exemplifies the spirit of this award. Her work truly enriches the lives of others and brings meaningful change to her local and extended communities.”
Looking ahead, she hopes for a cure. She also sees strength in the growing network of families, volunteers, and advocates who rally together in the fight against ALS. “It feels like one big family,” she says. “We’re connected, supporting each other, and honoring those we’ve lost.”
Through birthdays filled with purpose, service rooted in compassion, and a legacy of supporting families and educating the community, the Smith family is helping assure that the mission of Live Like Lou—to leave ALS better than we found it—continues to move forward.
To view photos of the Smith family’s Live Like Lou journey, see their Facebook page.
