Fall News 2024
For more than 30 years, the ALS United Greater New York team has remained at the forefront of providing compassionate, personalized care to individuals and families affected by ALS. With staff members located across New York and New Jersey, we are committed to ensuring that those in need receive the support they deserve, wherever they are. Our mission, which is centered around unwavering care, connection, and advocacy is at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting our efforts.
- Join us along the marathon route as we cheer Team ALS on November 3rd
- Save the Date Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala November 12th
Please scroll down below to learn more about what we have accomplished over the summer and what we look forward to this fall. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our cause.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we end ALS.
CARE SERVICES
Researchers at Stony Brook University are working on an innovative project to aid ALS patients and their caregivers using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The project, supported by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Army, focuses on developing the Caregiving Robot Assistant (CART), which aims to assist patients with physical tasks they can no longer perform due to ALS.
CLINIC SPOTLIGHT
The James J. Peters Bronx VA Medical Center in the Bronx, NY started treating veterans with ALS in 2014.
IRON HORSE GOLF CLASSIC
The Iron Horse Golf Classic celebrated its seventh successful year at Sands Point Golf Club on Monday, August 12th while raising $120,000. More than 100 golfers enjoyed a great day on the course, followed by a buffet dinner along with a silent auction and raffle with prizes that included Jet Blue airline tickets, dining gift cards, and golf outings at some of the elite private courses in the Greater New York area. Golfers also had the opportunity to try for a Hole-In-One sponsored by BMW of Bayshore.
WALK ALS
This year more than 6,500 walkers participated in our six ALS Walks from May through October raising over $1.3 million.
We are grateful to the many dedicated team captains, event participants, volunteers, sponsors, and ALS advocates. Your support, commitment, and fundraising efforts are key to helping us ensure that the ALS community continues to receive the highest quality care.
Ice Bucket Challenge
This summer marked the 10th anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge, and ALS United Greater New York celebrated in a big way! We kicked off with a series of events, from Orangetown’s Ice Bucket Challenge in Rockland County to the Quinn for the Win Ice Bucket Challenge in Yonkers, and even rang the opening bell at Nasdaq.
On August 3rd, we gathered at Empire City Casino for the Quinn for the Win event, honoring Pat Quinn, one of the original creators of the Ice Bucket Challenge, who famously declared, "Every August until a cure." His legacy lives on, inspiring countless efforts to combat ALS.
A special shout-out goes to Patricia Keery, who is living with ALS, for spearheading the Orangetown Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised an incredible $26,500 for our Equipment Loan Program. On September 7th, over 200 people came together, got soaked, and rallied for ALS awareness.
Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala
We hope you will join us on Tuesday, November 12th at Pier Sixty in New York City for the annual Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala.
This year we will honor Daniel L. Doctoroff, Founder and Chairman of Target ALS, with the Jacob K. Javits Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lou Gehrig Sports Award will be presented to New York Rangers Legend Adam Graves, New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead, and New York Yankees radio play-by-play announcer John Sterling. We will also present the Champion Award to ALS United Greater New York Board Member David Lubars, BBDO Worldwide Chief Creative Officer (Ret.).
The evening program will be hosted by Jeremy Schaap, Host of ESPN's E60 and Outside the Lines. Cocktails and the silent auction begin at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 7:30 pm. Tickets and tables are available for purchase. Please contact 212-720-3052 or events@als-ny.org for more information.
TCS New York City Marathon
Sixty-six Team ALS runners will be participating in the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3rd. This year’s team is comprised of philanthropic athletes hailing from various corners of the United States, including California, Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, and Maine, and a significant representation from our local community in the Greater New York area. Among all the accomplished athletes of Team ALS, our runners are doctors, educators, artists, and veterans. Furthermore, our team boasts one of our staff members, Aaron Young, and his brother, both running in memory of their mom, who lost her battle with ALS. Together, Team ALS has evolved into a remarkable community united in our mission to support the cause and advance research for a cure for ALS.
Join us on November 3rd along the marathon route as we cheer this amazing group of runners. Contact Tara Connors at tconnors@als-ny.org for location and more information.
Cocktails & Conversations
On Thursday, September 12th, ALS United Greater New York hosted "Cocktails and Conversations" on the rooftop terrace of the New York Genome Center. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for the Board and staff to connect with patients, families, and donors. The evening was filled with meaningful conversations, and guests enjoyed a special tour of the ALS Lab at the Genome Center. We look forward to hosting this event again next year.
Advocacy
As we approach the November election, it's important to make your opinion heard. Your vote is a powerful tool that can shape policies and influence decisions that directly impact the fight against ALS and the quality of life for your loved ones. Every level of government plays a vital role—elected officials make decisions on healthcare, insurance, Medicare, homecare, and other key matters that affect our lives.
By voting, you can have a say in how government funding and resources are allocated for those living with ALS. Make sure you’re registered and have a plan that suits your needs. If you’re voting in person, confirm your polling place and check for any accessibility options. If you need a mail-in ballot, be aware of the key dates and deadlines for New Jersey or New York.
When we come together to vote, our collective voice becomes stronger. When we vote, we can make sure elected officials hear the concerns and priorities of the ALS community.
Hudson Valley Family Day
On September 7th, ALS United Greater New York hosted a Family Day at Melzingah Tap House in Beacon, NY, bringing together individuals living with ALS, their families, and Hudson Valley Walk ALS participants. Melzingah Tap House, a longtime sponsor of the Walk, provided the perfect setting for this casual outdoor gathering. The event fostered meaningful connections between families and the ALS Care Services team, introduced new families to the community, and offered an opportunity to share information about the upcoming Hudson Valley Walk.
Your donation will help support our local community of over 1,000 people with ALS and their families across the Greater New York area, through comprehensive local care services, advocating for their needs, and funding cutting-edge research advancements.