#WhatWouldYouGive to #EndALS

This post is a charitable effort to support the ALS Therapy Development Institute and it is not sponsored or paid for.

 

Two years ago, my daughter took action and got involved in the national ALS Icebucket Challenge. All the rage, the challenge spread like wildfire across our nation.

What is ALS? ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is one of the worst diseases I know of. In people with ALS, motor neurons deteriorate leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and most people live 2-5 years after their first signs of disease. There is currently no treatment or cure.

Before my daughter participated in this campaign, I had heard of the Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but did not know much about the ALS Association. I did not know that the association was founded in 1985 to spur research and advancements in the fight against this severe, debilitating disease. Their success is evident. In fact, they have funded more  $99 million in research and clinical management projects.

In addition to the Icebucket Challenge, ALS chapters host  Walk to Defeat ALS® in numerous cities in the fall and spring across the nation by The Association’s nationwide network of chapters. Since the debut of the Walk in 2000, the event has raised more than $223 million.  More than 100,000 people with ALS, their friends, families, and the corporate community come together in support of this nationwide effort.

Even with all their success in raising funds to combat ALS much still needs to be done. That is why I proud to partner with  Linqia on their fund raising project for the ALS foundation. The goal this year is to raise $50,000 through our collective efforts. And up to $25,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous and very generous donor! Together, we can raise funds to help make ALS a thing of the past! Want to give? Donate here.

With your donation, you can help ALS in their efforts to provide a wide range of services for people living with ALS, their caregivers, families and friends as well as professional health care providers throughout the service area. Each ALS Association chapter offers programs that can include many of the following:

• Patient education programs
• Support groups
• Telephone information/referral service
• Equipment loan programs
• Augmentative communication device programs
• Respite programs
• Programs of information and support for caregivers and family members
• Referrals to ALS clinics and physicians
• Support nationally-directed research programs
• Local and nationally-directed advocacy programs

I hope you will consider giving to this great effort today. Thank you for your support.

You can learn even more about the ALS Association and the disease by visit their webpage. It has a wealth of information on their work to find a cure and their services for people living with ALS.