#USA #Los Angeles #ALS Network #Donations #ALS Community

ALS Network Seeks Support for the ALS Community

Introduction

Every year, thousands of families are affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. As an organization at the forefront of ALS care and advocacy, the ALS Network plays a crucial role in bringing hope and assistance to those impacted. With its rebranding from ALS Golden West, the Network has set ambitious goals to improve the lives of ALS patients and their families through community support and innovative solutions. This year, on Giving Tuesday, they are reaching out for additional support from individual and corporate donors.

The Importance of Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for people to contribute to causes that matter. For the ALS Network, it serves as a vital platform to raise funds for care services, research initiatives, and legislative efforts. A generous donor has pledged to match all donations made on this day, up to $50,000. This matching initiative emphasizes the importance of collective effort in the battle against ALS and encourages people to engage in meaningful giving.

ALS Community Support

The ALS Network is not just a support organization; it is a family dedicated to helping individuals living with ALS, their caregivers, and loved ones. Sheri Strahl, the Network’s president and CEO, highlighted the collective responsibility shared between the public and organizations towards the quest for improved treatments and potential cures for ALS. Donations help provide localized, no-cost care services essential to families across California and Hawaii.

Achievements and Growth

Over the past ten years, the ALS Network has made impressive strides, with meaningful growth in how it supports the ALS community. Notably, the organization:

• - Serves 36% more clients than before, extending its reach to a larger ALS population.
• - Increased financial grants by 500% to ensure that more families have access to necessary funds for care.
• - Expanded partnerships with ALS clinics to include 31 locations, doubling the previous number.
• - Launched 30 monthly connection groups, enhancing opportunities for social interaction and peer support.
• - Increased the availability of medical equipment and communication devices lent to ALS patients by 500% every year.
• - Invested over $17 million in groundbreaking ALS research, maintaining its commitment to science that promises hope.
• - Established the California ALS Registry to gather crucial data about the disease's incidence and prevalence.
• - Secured multi-year funding from the state government for its comprehensive model of care.
• - Introduced a tax return donation option for California residents to financially support ALS research starting in 2025.

Understanding ALS

ALS is a relentless neurodegenerative disease that targets nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive loss of motor functions. Those diagnosed with ALS face the devastating realities of losing their ability to speak, move, swallow, and ultimately breathe. The stakes are particularly high for military veterans, who are diagnosed with ALS nearly twice the rate of the general population. Crucially, no known cures exist at this time, making it imperative to fund research that could lead to breakthroughs.

Get Involved

Support for the ALS Network does not only come in the form of donations. Community involvement, advocacy, and awareness play significant roles in the fight against ALS. Interested individuals can find more information about donating and the Network's efforts at the ALS Network website, where they can contribute to the ongoing battle against ALS.

Conclusion

In the face of ALS, the ALS Network stands as a beacon of hope and support for countless families. As they embark upon this Giving Tuesday, every contribution will not only be matched but also significantly impact the quality of care provided to those facing this unforgiving disease. Together, we can advance the mission to find effective treatments and ultimately work towards a cure for ALS.