About Our Chapter

Since its inception in 2002, our local chapter of The ALS Association is the central source for services and education for people with ALS, their families, caregivers, and health care professionals in all of Oregon and the six counties of SW Washington. The progression of ALS varies significantly from one person to another. Responding to each person’s individual needs, our local chapter is available to provide vital services and reliable information.

A sampling of services provided free of charge:

• One-on-one consultations to assess the needs of those living with ALS, suggest equipment and help families plan for the future.
• A Medical Equipment Loan Program that provides mobility equipment when insurance and other programs cannot fund needed items.
• A comprehensive Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology Program.
• Caregiver support groups, Share the Care™ guidance, and respite care grants to relieve stress and “caregiver burnout.”
• Monthly support groups for people with ALS, family members, caregivers and friends.
• Partnerships in ALS multidisciplinary clinics staffed by professionals with ALS expertise.
• Outreach to the local medical community with updates on current ALS needs and solutions.

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The ALS Association covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease.

The ALS Association (National Office and The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter) operates under a shared mission: to help people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and to leave no stone unturned in search for the cure.

We work together to accomplish our mission. The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter focuses primarily on helping local families living with ALS while the National Office focuses primarily on research and advocacy. The Chapter supports the National Office through revenue sharing and research contributions. The National Office supports the Chapters by providing up-to-date information, materials and hands-on support.

Our chapter receives no government or insurance funding - we rely solely on our events, corporate and personal gifts, and local foundation grants.  

Chapter History...
Before incorporating as The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter, our organization was preceded by The Burdell Memorial ALS Foundation.  The Foundation was formed to remember Richard Burdell, a Portland jazz and pop musician who died June 21 1998 after a 14-year struggle with ALS.

Trumpeter, bandleader and athlete, the charismatic Burdell was a major part of Portland, Oregon’s music scene through the 1970s and mid-'80s. Later he became an inspirational example of courage and perseverance. Richard's sister, Cindy Burdell, is our Founder and now resides in Seattle, Washington close to family and friends.