ALS Northwest

Did you know? Veterans are twice as likely as those who haven't served in the military to get ALS. This Veteran's Day, we're honoring a veteran in our own community. Liz Fassler served in the U.S. Army in the 90s and was later diagnosed with ALS in 2019 after noticing some unusual symptoms. Hear more of her story in this news segment from The Chat. ?? https://lnkd.in/gg8ysUjE

Want to see a movie and support people with ALS at the same time? We're partnering with Regal Cinemas nationwide (through GroupRaise) this holiday season! Buy a two-ticket bundle to any movie at Regal through our special campaign link until January 19 and 25% goes to ALS Northwest. This is one of the easiest ways to directly support people living with ALS. ??

We're so grateful for the leadership who allow us to make an impact in the lives of people living with ALS across Oregon and SW Washington! Each of these staff members has recently reached an employee anniversary milestone: ?? As of October, Susan Pennock has served seven years at ALS Northwest! She began as a Care Services Coordinator and more recently took on the role of Care Services Director. Now, Susan oversees the compassionate implementation of all our services across the region, ensuring effective care for all people with ALS who request our assistance. ?? Holly Miller has been a powerhouse Development Director of Special Events and Corporate Relations for the past two years. She excels at strategic event planning and building authentic, lasting relationships with our supporters, raising essential funds for our ALS care services. ?? Last but certainly not least, Executive Director Lance Christian has been with the organization since its founding in 2002! He will reach 22 years of employment on Saturday, November 9. Lance began as the Care Services Director and has overseen the growth of ALS Northwest as an executive leader since 2008, developing the organization from a tiny operation to a full staff of 19. Join us in congratulating Susan, Holly, and Lance for their incredible achievements in service of the ALS community ??

On this Event Organizer's Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible team behind ALS Northwest’s annual fundraising events! These important events not only bring us closer to ending ALS but also create intentional spaces for our ALS community to gather. From our six regional ALS Walks to our annual Gala and Auction, this small but mighty team does it all. ?? Holly Miller is a master at securing passionate partnerships, building meaningful relationships that will benefit the ALS community for years to come. ?? Nick Altishin brings his dedication and no-nonsense attention to detail to ensure every event runs smoothly. ?? Taylor Maxwell uses her outgoing nature and positive personality to connect authentically with the ALS community, ensuring everyone feels welcome at our events. The team's hard work, passion, and commitment make a huge difference in the lives of families facing ALS. Thank you Holly, Nick and Taylor for everything you do! ?? #EventOrganizersDay #EmployeeAppreciation #ALSNorthwest #ALSAwareness #ALS

October 21 – 27 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week! Read on for the story of one of our remarkable Legacy Society members, Dottie Mellon: ?? Dottie’s father was first diagnosed with ALS in the 1980s—a time when little support existed for families impacted by the disease. Ultimately, ALS took the lives of her father and three of her eight siblings: John Schaffers, Therese Foster and Marianne Schaffers. Since then, Dottie, her husband Leo, and their loved ones have dedicated themselves to ALS research and advocacy. ?? Today, Dottie and Leo are building a legacy of hope as members of the ALS Legacy Society. Dottie shared, "The decision [to join the Legacy Society] came very easily to us especially when my brother John was diagnosed in 2018. I could now see that thanks to [ALS Northwest], he had all these services available to him! He had access to equipment and an ALS clinic, and even participated in clinical trials." ?? You can make a difference and support future generations, too! Join our Legacy Society by including ALS Northwest in your estate, will or trust. Contact Amy Easton at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved. #ALS #ALSNorthwest #EndALS #ALSLegacySociety

Did you know you there are multiple options for accessible voting in Oregon and Washington? Share these resources with others who may benefit! ??? Services for Voters with Disabilities in Oregon: https://lnkd.in/dBYMxwH ??? Services for Voters with Disabilities in Washington: https://lnkd.in/gfjt7jTy

October is National Physical Therapy Month! For individuals living with ALS, physical therapy is more than just movement—it’s about maintaining independence, improving quality of life, and adapting to progressive challenges. At our ALS Clinics, physical therapists work closely with a multidisciplinary team to maximize support. Join us in celebrating the incredible physical therapists at our ALS Clinics who provide compassionate care for people with ALS. ?? Lauren McIntyre, PT with Providence Health & Services Beth Blackford, PT with Providence Health & Services? Shilpa Joshi, PT with Oregon Health & Science University Maile Altier, PT with Oregon Health & Science University? Cyndi Falk, PT with Kaiser Permanente Matthew Zibilich, PT with VA Portland Health Care System Eric Ballinger, PT with St. Charles Health System #NationalPhysicalTherapyMonth #ALS #PTMonth

We're pleased to welcome a new Care Services Coordinator to the team! Gabriel O'Brien, MSW will support people living with ALS and their families in the Portland metro region, helping them maximize their wellbeing to continue living life to the fullest. From his love of hiking with his dog Korra to his passion for social work, get to know Gabriel in this fun Q&A! ?? #ALSSupport #CareServicesCoordinator #MSW #SocialWorkPassion #NewTeamMember https://lnkd.in/gN9bAnpa

Thank you to the researchers, clinicians, and staff members who made the 2024 ALS Research Symposium a success! Visitors tuned in virtually and in person to hear about the latest in ALS research; for example, did you know that when you sign up for the National ALS Registry, the Registry will keep you informed of clinical trials you can join nationwide?* In case you missed it, view the full stream at https://lnkd.in/gGtRfvyK From left to right, enjoying a celebratory post-event dinner: Nick Olney, MD - Providence Health & Services ALS Center Jaime Raymond, PhD - Epidemiologist at National ALS Registry Matthew Harms, MD - Elanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center, Columbia University Cassandra Adams - ALS Northwest Noona Leavell, MD - Director at VA Portland Health Care System ALS Center Lance Christian - ALS Northwest Paul Mehta MD - Principal Investigator at National ALS Registry Geoff Noble, MD - Kaiser Permanente ALS Clinic *Currently, only people with an ALS diagnosis can sign up for the National ALS Registry.

Bookmark this link to tune in virtually for our annual ALS Research Symposium on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1 pm! Esteemed ALS researchers will present on topics including Clinical Trial Updates, ALS and Drug Development, ALS and SOD, and the National ALS Registry, providing the latest insights on the ALS landscape. After the event, the recording will remain on YouTube for your viewing convenience. https://lnkd.in/gGtRfvyK