Those with ALS develop progressive muscle weakness, which
leaves individuals highly dependent on family friends, and
special equipment to complete their daily activities Fortunately,
there are many organizations dedicated to helping people
diagnosed with the disease by providing advanced treatments
and assistive technology. In no particular order, here
are some groups providing the support that those
with ALS need.
First up, at # 1 we have the
Les Turner ALS Foundation. Founded in 19 77
it provides individualized care and local community support
for those affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Through
its online Learning Series, the group offers interactive
educational resources covering a wide range of topics,
such as telemedicine and respiratory care.
Its Support Services Team is available at no
cost to those who reside within the foundation's
service area. Among its offerings are various educational
materials and programs, home visits by nurses and
social workers, and support group meetings. The organization
also offers financial assistance to individuals living with
ALS and their families.
Coming in at # 2 is Compassionate Care
ALS, a nonprofit offering individualized support to patients,
as well as their families and caregivers. In
partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital, the organization's House
Call Program provides patients from all walks of
life with access to medical services at home.
Through its van program, clients gain access to
wheelchair-friendly vehicles that they can use to complete
all kinds of tasks, such as attending medical
appointments or going on a vacation. The organization
also provides families with a medicine bag containing
equipment that helps patients stand and move around,
including gait belts and transfer slings.
Next, at # 3 is the University of
Miami ALS Center, which offers multi-specialty support for
patients and families from the time of diagnosis
until the end stages of the disease. Its
team works with researchers to find a cure,
providing patients with essential care and opportunities to
participate in clinical trials.
During a typical visit to its clinic, to
address various aspects of the disease, patients meet
with its team of multi-disciplinary specialists, including neurologists,
physical therapists psychologists dietitians, and more.
Taking the # 4 spot is Team Gleason,
a group dedicated to improving the lives of
people who have ALS. Co-founded by Steve Gleason,
a former athlete diagnosed with the disease in
2011, the organization has partnered with leaders in
tech and innovation to provide assistive equipment for
those in need.
The Team Gleason House for Innovative Living is
a residential facility that empowers residents to live
with continued purpose with the help of technology
There, despite their physical limitations, residents can control
much of their environment, allowing them to thrive
in a more stimulating and supportive space.
Finally, at # 5 we have the MAC
Angels Foundation, which seeks to enhance the quality
of life for individuals with ALS. Among its
offerings is the Loaner Closet, which contains used
or donated medical equipment that patients may use
for free for as long as they need.
Through the MAC Angels' Narrative Writing Workshop, participants
are given the opportunity to write about their
experiences as caregivers for someone with ALS. Among
the foundation's fundraising projects is Shoot for the
Moon, an album by musician Steve Felix that
also features other musicians from the Asheville, NC
area.