The ALS Association

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Established in 1985, the association leads the way in global research, provides comprehensive assistance for people with ALS through its nationwide network of chapters, coordinates multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fosters government partnerships. The organization's mission is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by the disease to live their lives to the fullest. The association covers all bases—research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy—to provide help and hope to those facing the disease.

The ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research in the world. A significant portion of its funding is directed towards a global research program aimed at finding a cure and developing new therapies to improve the quality of life for individuals living with ALS. The organization's efforts were famously amplified by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which went viral in 2014 and dramatically increased funding and public awareness. This influx of support has enabled the association to accelerate the fight against ALS by funding the development of new treatments, discovering new genes linked to the disease, fostering new global research collaborations, and significantly expanding access to high-quality care. Through its nationwide network, The ALS Association provides a wide range of services, including support groups, equipment loans, and educational resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The organization remains committed to ensuring that every person with ALS, regardless of their location, has access to the best possible care and the most effective treatments available.