|
|
|
As the year draws to a close, we are thankful for all that you do for The ALS Association and the fight against ALS. It's because of the generosity of people like you that we are able to fund global research to find a treatment and a cure for ALS, support nationwide public policy efforts, and provide compassionate care and support for people living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families in our community.
As we head into the New Year, let's celebrate some of the accomplishments of 2012 and look toward a brighter future filled with hope and an ever growing sense of determination.
Research
-
We have 80 active grants in our portfolio and, as of January 2012, committed more than $70 million to ALS research efforts.
-
For the first time ever, scientists we funded identified an ALS biomarker in the blood that may lead to monitoring the progress of the disease through a simple blood test.
Public Policy
-
We secured $7.5 million for the ALS Research Program at the Department of Defense, a 17% increase over last year.
-
We more than doubled the number of co-sponsors of the MODDERN Cures Act, legislation that would stimulate and expedite the development of new treatments for ALS.
Care Services
-
We offer vital information and assistance through our support groups to more people every year who are living with ALS.
-
We continue to provide consultation to assess the needs, suggest equipment and help families plan for the future.
Thank you for everything you do for those dealing with the challenges of ALS. Your support is like a ray of hope, guiding us toward a world without ALS.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Sincerely,
Jane H. Gilbert President & CEO
P.S. There's still time to make a generous tax-deductible gift before the year is over.
|
|
Advocacy and Public Policy
|
2013 Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference
|
>> Click here for details
|
|
Research Update
|
Report on The ALS Association’s Drug Discovery Workshop Available Online |
Earlier this year, more than 120 researchers, drug developers, government officials, and clinicians came together for three days of discussions focused on advancing drug discovery for ALS. The workshop, hosted by The ALS Association, examined the barriers and opportunities for translating basic science discoveries into therapeutics, with special emphasis on biomarkers, alternative targets, and clinical trial development. Many researchers generously presented new and unpublished results, in keeping with the goal of the workshop of fostering discussion at the leading edge of ALS therapy development.
The report on that meeting, published in the journal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration is now available online.
|
ALS Association-Funded Study Finds Blood Protein May Serve as Biomarker to Measure ALS Decline |
According to a new study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry,
a protein in the blood may serve as a biomarker, providing amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS) researchers a way to track the progress of the
disease and potentially to determine quickly whether a patient is
responding to therapy.
Click here to read article
|
|
How You Can Help
|
Creating your Personal Legacy
|
Leaving a legacy isn't optional. We will certainly be remembered—it’s really a question of how. So, when you think about the legacy you hope to leave, make sure you reflect your values, hopes and dreams for the future - in other words, what really matters to you. If fighting ALS is important to you, we invite you to consider a gift through your estate or financial plan to The ALS Association.
There is still much to be done before ALS is eradicated. There are many ways you can leave a legacy of hope. Including our chapter as part of your legacy can be very rewarding for you, your family and The ALS Association. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of ALS patients and their families.
Did you know? . . . .
-
You don't have to be wealthy to make a significant gift to The ALS Association. Every gift makes a difference.
-
You can take care of loved ones and our chapter. There are many types of gifts that enable you to do both.
-
Estate and financial planning doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
Please contact our office for more information or if we can be of assistance. We’d be glad to discuss the best options based on your particular needs and circumstances.
TOP
|
|
|