Our Story: From Personal Loss to Urgent Action
“Every morning, without fail, my father would do his push-ups. It was more than exercise—it was a ritual that symbolized his dedication to discipline, service, and perseverance. Even as ALS gradually took away his ability to move, his spirit remained unbreakable.
In 2024, we lost him to C9orf72 ALS, a genetic form of the disease that runs in our family. The same genetic mutation that took my father lives in me. As a physician scientist pursuing my MD-PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, I've dedicated my career to understanding this disease—not just as a researcher, but as someone living with the knowledge that I carry this fatal mutation.
The Push-Up Challenge honors my father's daily tradition while raising critical funds for ALS and FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) research. Many genetic mutations, including the one in our family, cause both diseases. Every dollar raised goes directly to cure-focused research led by patients and advised by top scientists who are fighting ALS/FTD in their own lives and families.
My father taught generations of students at McCaskey High School. He showed them what it meant to serve others, to persevere through challenges, and to build a community rooted in compassion. Now, it's our turn to honor his legacy by coming together to fund the research that will end this disease.
This is more than a fundraiser. It's a mission. It's our family's fight. And with your support, we will turn this personal loss into lifesaving breakthroughs.
- Dr. Yentli Soto-Albrecht
Event Chair and Daughter of Brother Frank Albrecht
"People who carry these genetic mutations face a 100% fatal disease. But through research, advocacy, and community action, we can change that future."
"My father, Brother Frank Albrecht, wasn't just a beloved teacher at McCaskey High School. He was a beacon of strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his community."
Our Vision Moving Forward
Learn about our purpose and hear from Brother Frank's daughter, Yentli Soto-Albrecht
About the Event
Honoring Brother Frank Albrecht
Even when ALS forced him to use a walker to move around, Brother Frank went to every McCaskey game. As he liked to say “if you are breathing, you can still make changes” and at this intersection of his love for his community and relentless spirit for change, the McCaskey and broader Lancaster communities will be coming together on April 8th for a fundraiser to raise funds for ALS research in his memory.
Hosted at the very school he loved and led by his daughter, Yentli Soto Albrecht, students will come together to do push-ups, honoring his daily tradition of doing the same number of push-ups as his age, and proceeds from this challenge will support cutting-edge ALS and FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) research. Having inherited the same genetic mutation and a scientist herself, Yentli is leveraging her MD-PhD training towards finding a cure, turning personal loss into urgent action.
Pushup Challenge
Community members participate in a push-up challenge inspired by Frank Albrecht's daily tradition, honoring resilience, strength, and service.
Fundraiser
Supporting cutting-edge ALS and FTD research through the ALS Hope Foundation and the End the Legacy Fund, in increments of $65k: his age of diagnosis, his final year of 65 daily push-ups.
Community Gathering
Students, educators, families, and local businesses come together at McCaskey High School to honor a beloved teacher and support a shared cause.
All proceeds support
Lifesaving ALS Research
All proceeds support crucial cure-focused research with 100% of the proceeds geared towards research deemed essential by a panel led by genetic carriers and advised by top scientists as they fight ALS/FTD in their own lives
100%
Fatal for genetic carriers of the mutation
February 10
Fundraiser starts
$65k
Fundraising goal
increments
65
Daily push-ups Brother Frank completed
Would you like to support us?
Local businesses and individual donors are invited to support the Push-Up Challenge through sponsorships ranging from $500 - $10,000+. Sponsors receive recognition on event signage, the event t-shirt, the GiveButter fundraising page, and event-day announcements while directly supporting ALS and FTD research. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Donate here: https://givebutter.com/IUfRoN