February 22, 2025

This event is in memory of Martha Olson-Fernandez, an avid hiker and the namesake of MOFF. Martha passed away from ALS related complications in 2012. Today, her memory reminds us to prioritize health and get up and move in whatever way makes you feel good.

This event has evolved into a hybrid, virtual and in-person, event in our post pandemic world. The “Hike” and “Brunch” sections below outline participation details for the event format you prefer.

Hike

• Hike at a location near you or to Martha’s memorial bench. The bench is located on the Felsman Loop portion of the Bishop’s Peak Trail in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-person participants gather at 10:00 AM and bring roses to Martha’s bench or the top of Bishop’s Peak in honor of those who can no longer hike. Roses will be provided at the trailhead entrance on Patricia Drive.

Brunch

• Head to your favorite brunch spot after you hike! If you are in SLO, the Quesadilla Gorilla restaurant will be donating a portion of proceeds to MOFF. Use code “MOFF” between 12 PM and 3 PM PST on 2/22/25 to contribute to the local ALS community.

The post Complete: 2025 Hike x Brunch first appeared on Martha Olson Fernandez Foundation – Bloom Where You Are Planted..

Thank you to all of the 5th Annual MOFF Hike x Brunch participants!

Thank you to everyone who came out to hike Felsman Loop in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, February 23rd. We all placed roses on Martha’s memorial bench and enjoyed a gorgeous view in great company. At the top of the hike, we read a poem that depicted ALS patients’ incredibly difficult journey with the disease. The poem was followed by quotes that embody the resilience of ALS patients. Martha was a beautiful example of that strength and bravery in action.

The ALS panel discussion during the brunch portion of the event was very well received. The panel answered the following questions:

       What causes ALS?

       Is there a high incidence of ALS on the Central Coast?

       What happened to the $115M raised during the Ice Bucket Challenge?

       What treatments are currently available to patients?

       Where are your MOFF donations going in 2019?

        Research Highlights: ASOs & STMN2 target for sporadic ALS

Our panelists were Natalie Fernandez from MOFF, Cherryl Goldstein, Stacy Inman and Janelle Webb from the ALS Association. Thank you very much to the ALS Association Golden West Chapter for participating in our first annual ALS Panel Discussion! We had a great time taking questions from donors regarding if ALS is one disease and also what future CRISPR technology has in the ALS research world.  In order to align with the interdisciplinary approach to fighting ALS, we look forward to inviting an array of panelists to future hike x brunch events.

If you have any follow-up questions, please email the MOF Foundation at giving@moffoundation.com.

Would you like to make a donation to the MOFF Organization?

Click on the donate button below. No amount is too small or too big! Please note that a 2.3% PayPal processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions.

Join the fight with us!

Please make checks available to The Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation or MOFF and mail to the Broad Street address below.

The Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501 (c)(3) organization. Tax ID: 45-4983912

The post 5th Annual MOFF Hike x Brunch and 1st Annual ALS Panel Discussion first appeared on Martha Olson Fernandez Foundation – Bloom Where You Are Planted..