Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND), Lou Gehrig's Disease, and Charcot's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This results in muscle atrophy, loss of movement, and eventual paralysis. For Drew Smith, losing his brother to ALS was a life-changing experience. While the pain of his loss was vast, Drew found a way to channel it into something impactful and meaningful: supporting ALS research through Ales for ALS™.
Ales for ALS™ is a program that unites the craft beer community to support an important cause – ALS research at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI). Participating Breweries across the U.S. receive a special hop blend provided by Yakima Chief Hops and Loftus Ranches. In return, they craft beers with the blend and donate a portion of the sales to ALS research.
For Drew, Ales for ALS™ was the perfect opportunity to give back. At Discourse Brewing, he and his team created a West Coast IPA named “Riding on Hope”. Riding on Hope is a beer inspired by his brother’s blog. Released before his brother’s birthday, the beer sold out just a few weeks later, on the 4th of July.
“I approached our team, and I said, ‘this is something I really care about,’” he says. “And they agreed. My brother passed away from ALS a couple of years ago. Ales for ALS™ is a program that I was passionate about even before I worked in brewing. And so, I approached [brewery owner] Matt about doing a beer, and he agreed.”
Beyond creating Riding on Hope, Drew has also become an advocate for Ales for ALS™. He has shared his story with other breweries in Kansas City, encouraging them to join the program. Many have stepped up, proving that the craft beer community is eager to make a difference.
“I don’t consider myself a very good salesman,” says Drew, “and that’s especially tough when what you’re selling is donating money. I expected to get shut down. But I was so impressed with just how readily willing they were to participate.”
For Drew, this effort is more than just raising money. It's about spreading awareness and building a community. By sharing his brother’s story and the impact of the disease, Drew hopes to inspire others to join the fight to end ALS.
“If all these breweries can participate and donate $1000 or $1500 bucks or whatever it ends up being,” he says, “if that all gets collected and put into the hands of people who know what they are doing, like ALS TDI, who have very clear goals, and people who are qualified in their field, I think that’s what it should be.”
Discourse Brewing’s Ales for ALS™ West Coast IPA will be available next year around the summer season at their brewery in Overland Park.
Click here to learn more about Discourse Brewing.
What to do Next: