ALS Golden West
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Mission Statement
Our Mission: To partner with the ALS community as we drive the discovery of prevention strategies, treatments, and cures for ALS; provide access to quality care and connection; and promote initiatives to improve health outcomes. ALS Network, formerly ALS Golden West, is proud to have earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator - for the ninth consecutive year! This is the highest rating possible in recognition of our ongoing commitment to sound fiscal management, accountability and transparency. Only 5% of the charitable organizations rated receive this exceptional distinction four or more years in a row.
About This Cause
What Is ALS? 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. ALS robs a person of the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and to breathe. ALS affects women and men of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. For unknown reasons, U.S. military veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS than civilians. As with most neurodegenerative diseases, currently there are no cures for ALS. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from diagnosis. As the disease progresses, people with ALS lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and, eventually, to breathe – all while their minds and senses continue to function. ALS is not contagious and does not discriminate – it affects men and women of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic communities around the world. Approximately 10% of those diagnosed have a hereditary or familial form of the disease. People who have served in any branch of the military are diagnosed with ALS nearly twice as often as the general population. Most people with ALS remain at home throughout the course of the disease and managing the progression of the disease is emotionally, physically and financially draining on families. The annual costs for home care, coupled with the cost of necessary equipment (which includes speech, mobility, transportation, etc.) can exceed $200,000 per year.