Chapel Hill middle-schoolers inspire Durham man fighting ALS

Chris Rosati and his organization, Inspire Media Network, surprised Culbreth Middle School students with the money after they recently inspired him as he battles ALS.

Rosati first met the students last year when he visited the school to motivate them to make a difference in the lives of others.

The children wrote 1,000 notes of encouragement after learning recently that Rosati's ALS has worsened and that he must soon decide whether to get a life-saving tracheotomy – a decision he says he fears will place a burden on his family.

"I was really amazed that middle-schoolers would be so motivated to give back," Rosati said.

With the money they received Monday – part of Rosati's Big Ideas for the Greater Good program – students will make their ideas on how to better the lives of others a reality.