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Spotlight
Flu Season and You It’s that time of year again! As fall approaches, and we welcome a change of season, an unwanted guest lurks in every community – the influenza virus. Read more.
Upcoming Webinars
October 21 Equipment Designed for Safe Transfers Click here for details.
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Connect with Us
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Letter from the President
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90 Ways to Fight ALS |
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ALS community members continually strive to have a positive impact in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Many have chosen to follow The Association and its chapters on social media, and they frequently “re-tweet” or “share” content from these sites. Others attend their local Walk to Defeat ALS® events, while some have written about personal or shared experiences in living with ALS. Additional ways to fight ALS include advocating for those who have lost the ability to talk, lending your time and talents to work in a chapter’s office, or hosting a fundraiser like a garage sale.
“We’re always grateful when those from the ALS community become involved in the fight against this devastating disease,” said ALS Association President & CEO Jane H. Gilbert. “People can make meaningful contributions, whether it’s through volunteering at a chapter’s events, making a donation, or telling friends and colleagues about ALS and its effects on families.”
Below are some of the 90 ways individuals can become involved in helping families living with ALS and educating the public about the disease.
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Attend an ALS Association chapter support group.
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Leave literature about Lou Gehrig’s disease at your place of business.
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Bring groceries to an ALS caregiver.
Remember someone who lost their battle with ALS through a memorial gift.
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Celebrate ALS Awareness Month each May.
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Visit The Association’s website to learn the latest in ALS research.
Read more on how you can fight ALS here.
Sincerely,
Jane H. Gilbert President & CEO
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FEATURE STORY
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Flu Season and You |
It’s that time of year again! As fall approaches, and we welcome a change of season, an unwanted guest lurks in every community the influenza virus. People living with ALS, as well as their loved ones and caregivers, should consider getting the flu shot. However, it is important to talk with your physician to see if you might be a good candidate to receive this vaccination. Generally, the flu (influenza) vaccine is recommended for the ALS community, but for those with certain allergies (eggs) or medical conditions, it may not be advisable. Click here to read full details about the flu and ALS.
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Advocacy & Public Policy
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MODDERN Cures Act Reintroduced |
In late September, Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) reintroduced the MODDERN Cures Act in the House of Representatives. MODDERN Cures (H.R. 3091) is a game-changer when it comes to the search for a treatment. The legislation provides new incentives to pursue ALS drug development and will significantly increase opportunities to find a treatment for the disease. Though the government shutdown continues at this time, we can still show our support for ALS funding. Click here to find out how.
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Research updates
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Dr. Rita Sattler Discusses C9ORF72 the role of RNA toxicity in ALS |
The pace of research into the causes and treatments of ALS has accelerated in the past few years, and nowhere is that more evident, and possibly more significant, that in work on the C9orf72 gene. Progress on understanding how the gene causes ALS, and ideas about reversing its effects, were the topic of a recent ALS Association-sponsored webinar with Rita Sattler, Ph.D., Principal Scientist at the Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Sattler's work in discovering new treatments for ALS is supported by The ALS Association. Read the full summary of Dr. Sattler's webinar.
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2014 Sheila Essey Award Call for Applications |
Applications and nominations are now being accepted for The Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research. The ALS Association is excited to announce that the award has been doubled to $50,000. In addition to the grant for ALS research, the winning recipient will also receive complimentary registration for AAN's 66th Annual Meeting and recognition at the AAN's 2014 awards luncheon.
Click here for more details.
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How You Can Help
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Retire with Meaning - Help Your Kids & Fight ALS, Too
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Donating all or part of a retirement plan to The ALS Association may be an attractive option. Since we are a charitable institution, we are exempt from paying the taxes that might otherwise be owed by your heirs, and you will also receive an estate tax charitable deduction. This tax-wise move makes other assets you own available for loved ones. Making us the beneficiary of a retirement plan is so easy to do.
Simply request a "Change of Beneficiary" form from your advisor or the custodian of your account. Your plan administrator can send you a beneficiary designation form and forms are often available online. Check your financial statement for the phone number and website of your plan administrator. Remember, you can name our chapter as a partial beneficiary, the beneficiary of the entire amount or as a contingent beneficiary.
Don’t forget to incorporate the following legal description on the beneficiary designation: The ALS Association (Tax ID 13-3271855), with its principal office in Washington, D.C.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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