Fight ALS.

On May 16th, I will be participating in a “virtual” hike towards a cure for ALS in honor of my mother and grandfather.  These are unprecedented times for all of us. But I want your help in supporting the Hike to Defeat ALS because I’m reminded that the needs of ALS patients in our communities are stronger than ever.  

You have kindly supported me in the past for the Ride to Defeat ALS, but with the reality around COVID-19 I have decided to participate in the Hike to Defeat ALS. My plan is to do a trail run of at least 20 miles and 2,000 feet of vertical gain. (At that length, I need to run rather than hike to finish at a reasonable hour!) I will post and share my virtual run/hike afterwards. 

Every 90 minutes, someone gets diagnosed with ALS and at the same rate, we lose someone. People living with ALS, for no known reason, lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which leads to an average life expectancy of just two to five years from diagnosis. Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population. There is currently no cure, and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) modestly extends survival. I want to change these statistics. With your help, we can.

My goal is to raise $5,000 - an effort that will directly impact The ALS Association’s vital mission. I started out my fundraising efforts with my own donation of $500. Can you help with a donation of $100?

Their mission is to fund cutting edge research, participate in critical public policy efforts and provide local care services that include, but are not limited to: 

•On-staff Care Services Coordinators who offer individual support and home visits to assess needs, suggest equipment, connect with local resources and help families plan.

•ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence partnerships with Providence Brain & Spine Institute and the Portland VA Health System.

•ALS Association Clinic partnerships with OHSU, Kaiser Permanente, St. Charles Health System, The Center and Asante Health System. 

•Medical Equipment Program in partnership with Numotion and Norco Medical to loan equipment to aid in daily living activities and with mobility.

•Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology Program to support communication, access and technology needs.

•Chapter Grant Program that funds a myriad of reimbursable, ALS-related expenses such as respite care, counseling, co-pays for healthcare costs, home modifications, and more.

•Caregiver Support Program to provide family caregiver focused support groups, Care Connections guidance, and referrals.  

•Monthly Support Group Program for people living with ALS, family members, and friends.

•Support and resources for children, in partnership with The Dougy Center, who have ALS in their families.

•Bereavement Support Program for family members and friends who have lost a loved one to ALS.

•Education and Outreach to health care professionals, home health care agencies and the community with updates on current ALS needs and solutions. 

If you’d like to join my team, click on the JOIN TEAM button. If you would like to write a check for your donation, please make it out to The ALS Association, write my name (so it can go towards my goal) in the memo and send it to: The ALS Association, Attention: Ride to Defeat ALS, 700 NE Multnomah St. #210, Portland, Oregon 97232.

Thank you so very much for your support. With your help, we will make a difference. 

Alan