ALS United CT Joins Nine Member Organizations to Accelerate Urgent Search to Cure ALS

ALS United Connecticut is proud to be part of an unprecedented collaboration with nine other ALS organizations through ALS United and the ALS Network. The participating organizations include ALS Network (formerly ALS Golden West), ALS United Greater Chicago, ALS United Greater New York, ALS United Mid-Atlantic, ALS New Mexico, ALS of Nevada, ALS United North Carolina, ALS United Orange County, and ALS United Rocky Mountain. All are members of ALS United, a community of independent ALS nonprofits dedicated to providing local care services, advancing research initiatives, and advocating for policies that benefit people living with ALS.

The partnership, focused on maximizing impact through a centralized research program facilitated by the ALS Network, reduces infrastructure costs, eliminates duplication, and increases direct funding to fuel innovative, promising science.

“The ALS Network’s collaboration with these forward-thinking organizations represents an urgent, collective effort to catalyze groundbreaking research while minimizing overhead costs,” said Sheri Strahl, MPH, MBA, president and CEO of the ALS Network. “Our combined work expedites progress against ALS and maximizes the dollars going to research.” 

The ALS Network’s Research Innovation Initiative, fueled by hundreds of thousands in support from these partner organizations, seeks to yield significant results in a disease category historically void of positive outcomes.

“This research-funding model is an ambitious effort designed to yield maximum results,” said Kristen Cocoman, president and CEO of ALS United Greater New York. “Our unique approach emphasizes the collective strength of the collaborating organizations, which have been at the forefront of ALS research for decades. By leveraging our extensive local expertise and resources, we foster an environment of innovation and partnership that drives significant progress to eventually cure ALS.”

The ALS Network’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), composed of world-renowned researchers, scientists, and healthcare industry leaders, reviews and selects the most promising projects and moonshot efforts for funding.

“Members of the SAC have in-depth expertise related to ALS and other motor neuron diseases,” said Julie M. Sharpe, president and CEO of ALS United Greater Chicago. “By evaluating and funding projects quickly we are confident that together we can cure ALS.”

Four significant research grants were approved for funding in 2024, and starting in 2025, investors can anticipate a public-facing request for proposals process that will significantly expand the portfolio of funded projects. In addition, year two will mark the launch of a community research committee that will participate in the project review process and ensure that funded projects reflect the interests and concerns of people with ALS.

“We are proud to collaborate with these organizations through ALS United to advance innovative research aimed at discovering treatments and cures for ALS,” said Jacky Rose, Executive Director at ALS United Connecticut. “It is inspiring to work alongside others who, like ALS United CT, share our dedication to finding solutions to end ALS.”

“This research initiative showcases the power of collaboration in the fight against ALS,” said Jerry Dawson, Executive Director of ALS United. “When our members unite on critical research initiatives, they accelerate progress toward effective treatments and cures while strengthening their impact in local communities.”

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal, neurodegenerative illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. People with ALS lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and, eventually, to breathe. People who have served in any branch of the military are diagnosed with ALS nearly twice as often as the general population. Currently, there are no known cures for ALS.

About the ALS United Connecticut

ALS United Connecticut provides comprehensive support to improve the quality of life for people with ALS and their families while advocating for increased support and advancing innovative research for new treatments and an end to ALS. For more information about ALS and the ALS United Connecticut, visit ALSUnitedCT.org or email info@alsunitedct.org.

About ALS United

ALS United is a collaborative network of independent nonprofit organizations across the United States, dedicated to supporting individuals living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their families. With several members among the original founders of the national ALS movement over forty years ago, ALS United combines deep roots with innovative approaches to serve approximately half of the U.S. ALS population. Together, ALS United member organizations provide comprehensive local support services, fund critical research initiatives, and advocate for policies that benefit the ALS community, guided by their shared vision, “Together, we end ALS.” For more information about ALS United visit alsunited.org or email info@alsunited.org.