More than 500 people have already registered for the 2017 National ALS Advocacy Conference and time is running out to sign up. This conference is an annual opportunity for our advocates – people living with ALS, their families, friends, doctors and researchers – to share the ALS story and let Members of Congress know the true nature of the disease and why it is important to take action immediately.

This year’s conference will be held Sunday, May 14 through Tuesday, May 16 at the J.W. Marriott  in downtown Washington, D.C. The conference begins on Sunday with welcoming remarks and updates on ALS policy priorities. There will be a reception for people with ALS and their families and friends that evening and then all participants will attend a dinner with entertainment from the Capitol Steps. On Monday, advocates will prepare for their time on the Hill, with sessions on current issues and how to advocate for ALS. It all comes together on Tuesday, when advocates take on Capitol Hill to share their stories and win the support of Members of Congress for ALS priorities.

Patient advocacy is a powerful and effective tool and it starts with you!

On Monday, attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with researchers and care service specialists at our Research and Care Service Expo. The Expo will provide up-to-date information on research and clinical trials, as well as information about how to access care services for people with ALS.

In addition, The ALS Association is also pleased to once again offer conference attendees an opportunity to participate in an exciting research project conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). On Monday, people with ALS may provide blood samples and complete a questionnaire that contributes to their ongoing research of the causes of the disease.

Individuals who are living with ALS, will also have an opportunity to sign up for the National ALS Registry run by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if they have not already done so. For those who have already signed up, please stop by for an update on information about the new National ALS Biorepository. While the CDC will not be taking samples for the biorepository at the Conference, the CDC will provide you with information on how to sign up.

The 2017 National ALS Advocacy Conference is an excellent opportunity for the ALS community to band together and show Congress what we need to improve the lives of people living with ALS. We are close to our capacity and the deadline is quickly approaching, so please join us  by registering here: http://bit.ly/2obbj8u

For more information visit: http://www.alsa.org/advocacy/advocacy-day/