What is ALS?
‘A nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function.
In this disease, nerve cells break down, which reduces functionality in the muscles they supply.
The cause is unknown. The main symptom is muscle weakness.
Medication and therapy can slow ALS and reduce discomfort, but there's no cure.’
-Mayo Clinic
ALS Overview
‘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND), Lou Gehrig's Disease, and Charcot's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord resulting in the wasting away of muscle and loss of movement. There is an estimated 30,000 people in the United States living with ALS at any given time and every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease. Approximately ninety percent of all ALS cases are sporadic, meaning there is no known history of the disease in a family.’
- ALS TDI
PLACES TO DONATE TO:
I am ALS: Launched in 2018, coincidentally right when my dad was diagnosed, I am ALS is a patient led organization with a goal to provide easily attainable resources for those affected by ALS, and the ultimate goal to end ALS.
ALS TDI: A nonprofit biotech with a small group of scientists who are 100% focused on discovering treatments to help slow and stop the disease.
ALS Association: Established in 1985, it is one of the first organizations to fight ALS. The association is a nationwide network of chapters dedicated to providing aid (care services, public education, local policies, etc). The best way to donate is to find your local chapter to donate to those affected near you.
$1 from every pair of earrings sold from Palettes and Petals will go to ALS Therapy Development Institute. Donated funds will help their lab continue onward in their research for treatment.
ALS TDI is a non-profit biotech lab and it relies on donations to fund its research. It is the world's foremost drug discovery lab focused solely on ALS. I chose this organization to donate for this campaign in honor of how much my dad loved science.