ALS Awareness Month: Supporting Our Veterans
ALS Awareness Month is just about to wrap up. Over the past few weeks we’ve been highlighting different themes, ranging from information about ALS itself to shining a spotlight on members of our community. This week, we’re celebrating veterans.
ALS is called a rare disease. But for reasons yet unknown, veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS as the general population.
That’s why we’re so grateful to work with organizations like the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) to offer additional support to our veterans living with ALS. In addition to showing these vets gratitude for their service, we know that creating pathways for their care is paramount.
If you feel the same, will you commit to at least one action before the end of ALS Awareness Month? Some of the ideas below will take less than a minute — and make a world of difference.
- Share a graphic on social media. On our website, we’ve posted graphics with stats about the disease. Please download and post one with a couple lines about why ALS is personal for you. We’ll be posting more as the month continues.
- Commit to volunteering for an event this year. Add your name to the volunteer list for an upcoming event, such as the ALS Walk for Life or the Chicago Marathon, or find a rewarding experience with a remote team working year-round like our Gratitude Group.
- Register an ALS Walk for Life team. Use ALS Awareness Month as an opportunity to recruit friends for your Walk team on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Soldier Field. By registering now, you’ll be able to connect with other teams over the summer — and you’ll turbocharge your fundraising efforts.
- Hold a fundraiser — or start planning one. Whether it’s cooking, running, golfing or just celebrating a birthday, our Fundraise Your Way program will help you use an occasion of any size to raise money to help people living with ALS, at any time of year.
- Make a donation — and talk about why you did it. It’s natural to be humble about your generosity, but for ALS Awareness Month, people should know that ALS care and research is a cause that’s important to you. Nothing speaks louder than the example you set.
We’re Honoring Lou’s Legacy at Cubs & White Sox Games this June. Join us!
Cubs vs Pirates – Lou Gehrig Day
Nearly $1 million in ALS Grants Awarded in 2023
In 2023, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is funding nearly $1 million in ALS research grants and clinic and endowment support at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine. This is the second year in a row that funding from the Foundation has reached this milestone.
Under the leadership of Robert G. Kalb, MD, the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Professor and Chief of the Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center unites expertise across scientific disciplines at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, seeking to generate new insights and significant advances in the fight against ALS.
“In combination with our robust clinical research program, the results from the research labs will be well positioned to be translated into tangible new therapies for ALS,” said Dr. Kalb.
Visit our news blog to see the full list of research grants.
ALS Awareness Month: Sustainers for HopeALS Learning Series: Tracheostomies and Invasive Ventilation
Not everyone with ALS will need or choose to have a tracheostomy, but there may come a time when it’s necessary for continued breathing. You may have respiratory weakness that can no longer be treated with a mask and non-invasive ventilation.
Join Lisa Wolfe, MD on Monday, June 19 at 12 p.m. CST for a pulmonologist’s breakdown on respiratory management for those with increased ventilation needs. Community resources will be shared and there will be a Q&A after the presentation.
Register today! The Les Turner ALS Foundation is proud to offer this ALS Learning Series webinar at no cost to the ALS community. Thank you to the Gilbert and Robin Fern Foundation and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America for sponsoring this webinar.
Empowering Young ALS Patients: Suburban Mom Takes Action for Awareness
Kristin Rankin is on a mission to increase awareness and support for younger individuals affected by the disease. Despite the challenges she faces daily while living with ALS, Kristin is determined to make a difference.
NBC5 Chicago recently aired a powerful story on Kristin’s journey with ALS and her advocacy, as well as the care she receives at the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic from a multidisciplinary team including Dr. John Coleman.
Her story serves as a reminder that ALS knows no boundaries, and she strives to challenge stereotypes surrounding the disease. Through her involvement with organizations like the Les Turner ALS Foundation, she aims to amplify her voice and inspire others to join the fight against ALS. Click below to watch.
