ALS United Greater Chicago

Meet Susan Blaha 🌟

We’re excited to share the inspiring story of Susan Blaha, a true embodiment of courage in the face of ALS. Diagnosed in 2009, Susan has faced her journey with remarkable strength and positivity. Alongside her husband Jeff, she’s been a cornerstone of the Greater Chicagoland Support Group and a passionate advocate for the ALS community.

From representing us in Washington, D.C., to raising awareness at local events, Susan’s dedication is nothing short of extraordinary. We were honored to present her with the Iron Horse ALS Courage Award in recognition of her unwavering spirit.

Read more: https://alsunitedchicago.org/support-courage-and-community-meet-susan/

Time is ticking! ⏰ Our Team Challenges for and are heating up, and there's only 1 day left to grow your team and win an incredible Stanley Cooler packed with goodies for Walk Day! The team with the highest percentage of growth by tomorrow at noon will take home the prize.

But that’s not all—the Extra Chill Challenge is still on! Register by noon on August 16, and you'll be entered to win a Stanley Tumbler. If you're already registered, you're automatically entered, and fundraising participants get double entries! 🎉

Now's the perfect time to rally your team and invite friends, family, and colleagues to join us for this important cause.

Peoria: walkalspeoria.org
Champaign: walkalschampaign.org

Let’s make this final push count! Together, we end ALS.

ALS can be a complex disease, and knowing the stages can make a huge difference in providing support. Check out our blog post breaking down each stage of ALS, offering valuable insights into what happens at each phase and how it affects those living with the condition. Share this with your network to help spread awareness!

👉 https://alsunitedchicago.org/stages-of-als/

Exploring the Stages of ALS Understanding ALS What is ALS? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It impairs motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, wasting, and eventual paralysis. Despite ongoing research, ALS....

Tee off for a cause! Join us on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, at the prestigious Cog Hill Golf & Country Club for the 2024 ALS Classic. Your participation supports our mission to provide care, advocacy, research, and awareness for the ALS community. Register today at thealsclassic.org. ⛳

Thank you to everyone who joined our webinar, "Living Well with ALS: Navigating Genetic Insights and Testing." We hope you found the session with Tara Jones insightful and informative. Did you miss the event or want to revisit the discussion? We’ll be sharing a recording soon, so stay tuned!

We’re starting in just 1 hour! Join us for a deep dive into the genetic insights of ALS with Tara Jones, a genetic counselor from Cedars-Sinai. There’s still time to register—don’t miss out! Register at bit.ly/4cihhgd

Thank you to Sarah Brandt, our incredible Director of Development, for 12 years of serving our ALS community!

Sarah's dedication has guided our Bank of America Chicago Marathon team, made ALS United Greater Chicago's suite at The Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity a success, and driven so many other impactful initiatives.

We appreciate your unwavering commitment to our mission and all the ways you make a difference every day! 🧡💛

Join us this evening at 6 PM for our webinar on ALS genetics. Tara Jones from Cedars-Sinai will lead the discussion, providing insights that are crucial for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. It’s not too late to sign up—register now and join us tonight! bit.ly/4cihhgd

Always a good time spreading at the Byronfest Parade! Know someone impacted by ALS in ? Cost-free ALS services through are available! No one fights ALS alone. Call, email, or message us ALS United Greater Chicago today.

ALS United Greater Chicago applauds the introduction of the Healthy Brains Act. The bipartisan Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research And Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act was introduced by U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton of Virginia and Gus Bilirakis of Florida in August.

This legislation will increase research into environmental risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and atypical Parkinson’s disorders.

“Ending ALS is only possible when we unite all research trials towards our common goal,” said Julie M. Sharpe, President & CEO at ALS United Greater Chicago. “That includes investing in promising research trials, greater access to assistive technology, and studying potential environmental risks. The HEALTHY BRAINS Act is important because it moves us closer to discovering new treatments for these diseases and it demonstrates the growing bipartisan support in Congress to end ALS.”

Read More about the HEALTHY BRAINS Act: https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=956
Become an ALS Advocate: https://alsunitedchicago.org/advocacy/become-an-advocate/

Wexton and Bilirakis Introduce Bipartisan HEALTHY BRAINS Act to Advance Research into Neurodegenerative Diseases Risks Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research And Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act to bolster research into the envi...

Tomorrow's the day! Don't miss out on our webinar, "Living Well with ALS: Navigating Genetic Insights and Testing," happening at 6 PM. Learn from genetic counselor Tara Jones as she explores the genetic aspects of ALS and engages in a live Q&A. bit.ly/4cihhgd

Curious about the role genetics play in ALS? Join us in just 2 days for our webinar, "Living Well with ALS: Navigating Genetic Insights and Testing." Tara Jones, a genetic counselor from Cedars-Sinai, will share her expertise and answer your questions in a live Q&A. Register: bit.ly/4cihhgd

We're three days away from our upcoming webinar. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn about the genetic factors of ALS from Tara Jones, a specialist from Cedars-Sinai. Register today and be part of this important conversation on August 13th at 6 PM. Register: bit.ly/4cihhgd

We’re just four weeks away from the 2024 ALS Classic! Join us on Wednesday, September 4th at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club for a day of golf, fun, and making a difference. Your participation helps us continue our vital work in the fight against ALS. 🧡

📅 Date: September 4th, 2024
📍 Location: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
🔗 Register today at thealsclassic.org

It’s a great day to take the !

Kendra and her boys are headed out to support Scott Marsell’s at Mitsubishi today! ✨

Be a part of something extraordinary! 🌟 Save the date for February 7, 2025, and join us for the First Look for Charity event, benefiting ALS United Greater Chicago and other incredible local charities. Experience an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy at the nation's largest auto show. Learn more and stay updated at alsunitedchicago.org/event/first-look-for-charity-2025

Only one week left! Join us on August 13th at 6 PM for our next webinar in the Living Well with ALS series: Navigating Genetic Insights and Testing. Our expert speaker, Tara Jones from Cedars-Sinai, will dive into the genetic aspects of ALS, providing valuable insights for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. This virtual event is cost-free! Register now to reserve your spot: bit.ly/4cihhgd

Thank you, ABC 7 Chicago for sharing about our fight to end ALS!

Steve 'Mongo' McMichaels' induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame puts spotlight back on ALS Chicago Bears legend Steve "Mongo" McMichaels was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the weekend from his bed as he battles ALS.

Steve McMichael enshrined in Hall of Fame | 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Steve McMichael enshrined as member of Pro Football Hall of FameWatch live local and primetime games, NFL RedZone, and NFL Network on Plus.NFL.comCheck out o...

Stay tuned: Scott and Peggy are spreading the word about life with ALS, local services, the , and how everyone can make a difference in the fight to !

Shoutout to TeamALS for reaching 50% of their fundraising goal! These 200+ athletes are racing towards a cure to . Keep pushing towards all your goals. We can’t wait to cheer you on as you cross the finish line this fall. 🏁