Tom & Jill Pulley Mental Health and Wellness Program
ALS United Greater New York is profoundly grateful to the Pulley family for their transformative philanthropy and commitment to the ALS community through the establishment of the Tom and Jill Pulley Expansion Fund.
The cornerstone initiative of the Pulley Expansion Fund is a brand-new mental health and wellness program. The Fund will also allow for the expansion of assistive technology and equipment staff and services—providing essential tools, resources, and professional guidance to enhance independence, communication, and emotional well-being for those living with ALS.
When Tom Pulley, a real estate investment executive and avid skier and tennis player, was diagnosed with ALS, his life, like so many others in the ALS community, changed rapidly. As Tom and his family navigated this journey, they witnessed firsthand not only the physical challenges of declining mobility but also the profound mental and emotional toll the disease takes on patients and their loved ones. In response to these deeply personal insights, the Pulley family established the Tom and Jill Pulley Mental Health and Wellness Program to create comprehensive mental health services for patients and family members affected by ALS.
Through their vision and generosity, the Pulleys are ensuring that others facing this disease receive specialized psychological support and practical resources that can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.
Tom & Jill Pulley Mental Health and Wellness Program – Living with ALS presents distinct emotional and psychological challenges that require specialized support. This pioneering program provides dedicated psychotherapy services through a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who understands the specific challenges of navigating ALS, from processing diagnosis and adapting to physical changes, to managing caregiver stress and planning for the future.
“With all the healthcare expenses I incur every month in fighting this disease, I was blown away by the availability of a grant for my mental health costs. It has helped me immensely and represents real “caregiving for the caregiver.” - Hank A. (NY)
Patient and Family Grants for Mental Health - In addition to direct psychotherapy services, the program offers supplemental grants that provide financial assistance for specialized care addressing the unique circumstances and diverse mental health needs of individuals and families managing ALS. This includes access to therapists with expertise in supporting children coping with a parent's diagnosis, practitioners who speak different languages, specialists experienced with specific age groups or stages of ALS, and counselors trained in particular cultural contexts or family situations. By removing financial barriers to specialized care, these supplemental grants ensure that everyone in the ALS community can access the specific therapeutic support that best fits their personal needs and circumstances.