May 2006

Project ALS and Columbia University Start ALS Research Lab

The Columbia-based lab will seek to develop human cell based ALS assays and use stemcell derived motor neurons to screen drug candidates for ALS and spinal muscular atrophy in the hopes of find treatments for those suffering from motoron neuron diseases such as ALS.

$15 Million Dollar Grant for ALS Research

Claire Tow and family have donated $15 million to match a grant to Columbia University Medical School to study motor neurons and motor neuron disease - the reseearch is intended to solve the mystery of ALS.

International Gene Search for Typical ALS

Our friends at the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins will undertake a gene search for sporadic ALS. Sporadic, or Typical ALS, accounts for approximately 90% of individuals living with ALS, whereas familial ALS, the form of ALS most researched, affects 10% of people with ALS.

ALS patient fights for federal aid (USA)

In a state with no ALS Association chapter and very few resources for patients and their families, Tammy Brown is leading the fight for an increase in governmental aid and medical research. Brown and her family are headed to Washington, DC to take part in the 2006 National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference.

Avicena Phase III results limited - drug may reduce mortality rates

Avicena said its potential drug for Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS-02) failed in trials to improve muscle strength and function. The drug did show a trend of reduced mortality. Further study will be needed with the hopes for eventual FDA approval should continued studies show treatment success.

Firefighters Help Strike Out Muscular Dystrophy

Firefighters help strike out Muscular Dystrophy with their 2nd annual Bowl-a-Thon this upcoming Saturday, June 10th, 2006.

The event takes place at Brunswick Bowl on Satnfield Road in Mississauga, Ontario.

Famous Footballer With ALS - Do Not Take Anything For Granted

Marischal (Mop) Astwood, former PHC Zebras and Bermuda international footballer was diagnosed with ALS last February (2005). “All I can encourage others is not to take anything for granted as I have now found out,” a wheelchair confined Astwood told The Royal Gazette.

Strike Out! ALS Celebrity Benefit - May 11th, 2006

Chapter will host the Strike Out! ALS Celebrity Benefit on Thursday, May 11th, 2006, from 5:30 until 8:30 PM at the Terrace Club at Jacobs Field.

The event includes cocktails, dinner and a silent auction. The event is co-hosted by WKYC Health Reporter Monica Robins and Cleveland personalities Brad Sussman and Larry Morrow.