Jodi O'Donnell-Ames is a speaker, coach, author and the founder Hope Loves Company (HLC), the only non-profit organization in the U.S. dedicated to providing education and emotional support for children whose family members have been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's Disease. She founded HLC after losing her husband, Kevin O'Donnell, to ALS at the age of 36.
Jodi has authored two books, Someone I Love Has ALS and The Stars That Shine. In 2015, People magazine published an article naming her a “Hero Among Us.” O’Donnell-Ames has received several awards, including the Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award, the TIAA Difference Maker award, and the AFP NJ Excellence in Philanthropy award, New Jersey State Governor's Jefferson Award and the TCNJ Alumi Humanitarian Award. She was featured on the cover of the spring 2017 issue of Real Woman magazine and has been featured on Caucus New Jersey with Steve Adubato, Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte, Dr. Oz, Today Show and more. Today, O’Donnell-Ames travels the country speaking about ALS, entrepreneurship and grit and has an active role at HLC. She is also a massage therapist and fitness enthusiast.