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The ALS Association
Vision Express

 

 
 
  01. Letter from the President
  02. Public Policy
  03. Research Update
  04. How You Can Help
 
 
 

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PostNet Rallies to Fight Against Lou Gehrig's Disease

We are happy to announce that PostNet, the nation’s first Neighborhood Business Center, recently announced the launch of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of Lou Gehrig's Disease and The ALS Association.

postnet.pngPostNet’s philanthropic efforts to support The ALS Association are in honor of one of its franchise owners, Dennis Richard Coogle of Mooresville, N.C., who lost a five-year battle with ALS on July 25, 2011.

Steve Greenbaum, co-founder and CEO of PostNet, noted that throughout Dennis' battle with ALS, he continued to be a important mentor for other PostNet owners. “He is missed by the PostNet family, and we are eager to work with The ALS Association to move toward finding a cure for the disease that claimed his life.”

From now through September 15, 2012, several hundred PostNet franchise locations across the country are raising funds to fight ALS primarily through a point of sale “pin-up” campaign. In this campaign, individuals can donate $1 and write their name on a paper pin-up to show their support. Other franchises will raise funds by participating in Walk to Defeat ALS® events.

Dennis' wife, Sherry, continues to run the day-to-day operations of the small business services franchise.

“I’ve been overwhelmed and truly blessed by the support I’ve received from our community, and I’m humbled by the fact that the entire PostNet family is honoring Dennis’ legacy by partnering with The ALS Association to raise funds in his memory,” said Sherry.

Go to http://www.postnet.com/locations to find a PostNet location near you. It is our hope that through this partnership with PostNet many more people will learn about ALS and join us in our fight for viable treatment and a cure.

Sincerely,

9-28-10 Match Email 2 Signature

Jane H. Gilbert
President & CEO

PUBLIC POLICY

FDA Bill Cleared for Enactment!

The U.S. Senate voted to reauthorize the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), legislation that includes a number of vital reforms and resources that will help to speed access to new treatments for people with ALS! The bill now heads to the President, who is expected to sign it into law.

The ALS Association has strongly supported PDUFA, having worked with Congress, FDA and others for more than a year to speed its enactment.

Click here to read full article.

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Research Update

New Study Suggests that ALS Progression May Be Tracked With Blood Test

According to a new study, funded in part by The ALS Association, published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, scientists have identified a biomarker in the blood that signals the earliest stages of the disease.

While further studies to validate this finding will be important, this exciting discovery suggests that the immune system plays an important role early in the disease process of ALS and may provide doctors with a means of monitoring the progression of the disease through a simple blood test.

Click here to read full article.

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Newest ALS Gene Impairs Axon Growth

A newly discovered ALS gene points to defects in axon growth as one cause of the disease. Mutations in the gene, called profilin 1 (PFN1), are responsible for 1% to 2% of familial ALS, according to the new study.

Click here to read the full article.

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Anti-SOD1 Immunization Delays Onset,
Increases Lifespan in ALS Mice

Immunizing ALS mice against the mutant SOD1 protein delays disease onset and increases lifespan, according to research funded by The ALS Association and published this week in Journal of Neuroscience. “This study supports previous data demonstrating the potential of immunization as a treatment strategy,” commented Lucie Bruijn, Ph.D., Chief Scientist for The ALS Association, “and furthermore describes the exact binding domain of the antibody on the mutant protein.” The study, led by Janice Robertson, Ph.D. at the University of Toronto, Canada, provides crucial insight into the mechanism through which mutant SOD1 causes disease.

Click here to read the full article.

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How You Can Help

Hidden Treasure - Donating Savings Bonds to Fight ALS

US_Savings_Bonds.gifIt has been estimated that there are over 30 million expired savings bonds tucked away in file cabinets and safety deposit boxes all across America. They are not earning a nickel more for their owners.

When savings bonds are redeemed, tax is owed on the income received. Presently, there is no way to avoid paying that tax, except by naming a charity such as The ALS Association to receive the bonds through a bequest in your will.

Some of our friends choose to redeem their expired bonds and knowingly incur the tax that is owed. However, they then use the proceeds of the redemption to fund a Charitable Gift Annuity. The deduction allowed for creating the Charitable Gift Annuity helps offset the tax owed on the bond redemption. Their previously “overlooked” asset is turned into an income-producing one for the rest of their lives while also making a significant gift to The ALS Association to help fund compassionate care, advocacy and research in the fight against ALS.

Please contact our office for more information or if we can be of assistance.

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Vision Express is a companion to The ALS Association's national publication, Vision Magazine.

The ALS Association
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Phone (202) 407-8580     www.alsa.org

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