The JL Mann community came together in September 2026 for an unforgettable Spirit Week, raising an incredible $508,752.35 for Touched By ALS. We are grateful to the students, faculty, families, businesses, and supporters whose generosity will make a lasting difference for families affected by ALS.
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News, Partnerships, UncategorizedALS Awareness, ALS Family Support, ALS fundraiser, ALS nonprofit, Community Support for ALS, Greenville SC Community, JL Mann High School, JL Mann Spirit Week 2026, School Fundraising, Spirit Week Fundraiser, Student Fundraising, Touched By ALS, Upstate South Carolina
After Rodney’s ALS diagnosis, his family faced an uncertain future. Through essential equipment, respite care, and compassionate support from Touched By ALS, the Ratchford family continues to face each day with faith, determination, and their motto: “Forward In Victory.”
Hometown, current town?
Hometown- Laurens, SC
Current town- Gaffney, SC
A little more about you?
I have been married for 24 years, I have 4 kids ( 22 son, 18 daughter, & twin boys 9). I have been in hospice care for 11 years, but the medical field for 26 years. I’m very active in my church. I love the beach, mountains, lake and making memories with my family.
What makes you tick?
Providing for my family and others. Also sharing the love of Christ
What defines you?
I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn’t afraid to face a challenge. I’m passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn’t believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.
Why Touched By ALS?
As a hospice provider, I have the honor to help these wonderful patients in the most difficult time of their life. The ALS community is growing rapidly and they need all the support and resources that can.
Something quirky?
I really don’t like to smile in pictures.
Spare time?
In my spare time I am either at church (depending on the day of the week), hunting (depending on the time of year), or on the lake.
Pet peeve?
I think my biggest pet peeve is things out of place or riding/driving in a messy vehicle.
Hometown, current town?
Hometown – Easley, SC
Current town – Greer, SC
A little more about you?
I graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Construction Science and Management. I currently work at Clayton Construction. When I am not working, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family.
What makes you tick?
Being able to provide for my family and others.
What defines you?
Hard work and effort. I find drawn to the quote “The value is in the effort”.
Why Touched By ALS?
As I entered the construction industry, I met a colleague turned friend, Taylor Brown, who ended up being diagnosed with ALS. I am born and raised in the upstate and find myself very grateful to be able to help those in the upstate who have been touched by ALS.
Something quirky?
I have a twin sister.
Spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and outdoors.
Pet peeve?
Smacking – eating, chewing gum, etc.
Hometown, current town?
Clinton, SC and now reside in Greenville for the last 8 years
A little more about you?
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Presbyterian College. Currently work for National Healthcare Corporation where I am blessed to impact the lives of seniors. I’m a Christian who loves her family and friends
What makes you tick?
Helping others, especially those in the geriatric population
What defines you?
Others would probably define me as “the girl who loves to help people” or would consider me a large resource for those in need.
Why Touched By ALS?
A friend lost her life to ALS in 2015. I consider myself blessed to have been able to provide care for her throughout her journey. Seeing what not only she went through, but also what her family and friends went through, really touched my heart and drew me to this organization.
Something quirky?
I am a very routine oriented person. My morning and night time routines are exactly the same, every single day, no matter what.
Spare time?
You can find me spending time with the ones I love the most – family and friends.
Pet peeve?
Rude people. Life is too short to not be happy!
Hometown, current town?
Columbia, SC and Greenville, SC as of 2006
A little more about you?
Blessed father of son Tanner, and daughter Presley; Clemson University CSM; and enjoys anything outdoors
What makes you tick?
Sharing, looking at a challenge (life, work, yard project, etc.) and putting my energy and resources into solving that problem and completing the task
What defines you?
Attention to detail and a “doer”
Why Touched By ALS?
The desire to support those in our community who could be faced with an undesirable circumstance in the present or future
Something quirky?
Neat freak and proud supporter of Clorex Wipes
Spare time?
Enjoy life with my faith, family and friends; and further the impact of Touched by ALS
Pet peeve?
Not following instructions and assuming things
Hometown, current town?
Born and raised in Miami, Florida. Came to Greenville in 1996
A little more about you?
Proud mother of two sons, proud wife of writer husband. CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas since 2012
What makes you tick?
My faith, my family, my work
What defines you?
Helping others – problem solving
Why Touched By ALS?
My younger brother was diagnosed in 2013 with ALS. He never lost faith. I could not say no
Something quirky?
I am bilingual: Spanish is my second language. My mother is Colombian
Spare time?
Avid reader, love to write, visit my son’s farm, tour local vineyards, walk miles if given the time in the mountains and on the beach
Pet peeve?
Negativity, complaining
Hometown, current town?
Born in Meridian, MS; moved to Greenville when I was a year old; have lived in the beautiful mountain community of River Falls since I was 10 years old
A little more about you?
Married Danny Wright in May 1977. Blessed with two children, Vanessa and Daniel; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and a schnoodle named Dani Rae. Serve in the Children’s Ministry at Gap Creek Baptist Church
What makes you tick?
Jesus, time with family, serving my church and community
What defines you?
Serving
Why Touched By ALS?
My husband Danny was diagnosed with familial (hereditary) ALS in 2019. He went home on June 3, 2020. My daughter, Vanessa has the gene
Something quirky?
I’m a procrastinator, like my dad
Spare time?
Thrift shopping, seeing my grandkids’ special events, visiting friends and my church kids
Hometown, current town?
Spartanburg
A little more about you?
CEO of Clayton Construction Company, Inc. in Spartanburg; Clemson graduate. Avid outdoorsman and college football enthusiast
What makes you tick?
Family and having success with a team
What defines you?
Entrepreneurship and new ideas
Why Touched By ALS?
Taylor Brown
Something quirky?
I almost won a dance competition (came in 2nd)
Spare time?
Hunting, fishing, Clemson, golf, and cooking
Pet peeve?
Apathy