Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disorder that attacks certain nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. With all voluntary muscle action affected, patients in the later stages are totally paralyzed, unable to speak, swallow or breathe. Yet, through it all, their minds remain unaffected. First identified in 1869, the cause and cure of ALS are as yet unknown.

300,000 Americans alive and well today will die as a result of ALS unless a cure is found. Three people are diagnosed with ALS every five (5) hours. Every 90 minutes a person loses his battle with ALS.

Sometimes it is difficult to even find a doctor who is willing or qualified to offer the
diagnosis of ALS. Early signs of the disease can be mistaken for other illnesses, and symptoms. Often, people searching for a diagnosis are encouraged to get an
opinion from more than one physician.

Our Hope

• To help the ALS patient and family to live as full and as normal a life as possible
• To aid patients through the loan of equipment or by other means
• To serve as a liaison, linking the ALS patient and family to available resources and information
• To educate and inform the general public as to the nature of ALS
• To encourage and support research for the prevention, alleviation, care, treatment and cure of ALS
• To increase awareness of ALS in all levels of government in an effort to expand government support of research and elicit programs to make treatments and care accessible and affordable for all ALS patients.

Officers
Richann Johnson-Bender, President
Wendy Waite, Secretary
Anne Marschik, Treasurer

Directors
Larry Bender
Larry Brown
Lauran Meyer
Sharon Milano
David Saxe

Staff
Megan Testa, LPN Executive Director
Susie Davis, LPN Director of Patient Services
Charlita Harris, CNA Patient Coordinator
Amber Davis, Administrative Assistant