About Our Chapter
About Our Chapter

Chapter Highlights

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Vol spotlight

Volunteer SpotlightKristen Duane 

Kristen Duane's dedication to volunteerism has been a constant throughout her life. During her high school years, she accumulated over 100 hours of service by volunteering as a camp counselor, participating in donation drives, beach clean-ups, and more.

This spirit of volunteerism has seamlessly transitioned into her academic journey at the University of Central Florida, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In her current role as Vice President of the UCF Psychology Society, she not only serves as a teaching assistant but also spearheads volunteer service projects.

Over the years, Kristen learned a lot about ALS from her mom, who is the Associate Director of Care Services for the Southeast. Kristen felt compelled to extend her support.

"I really look up to my mom and appreciate seeing her hard work that goes into helping ALS families. She has been an inspiration to me and volunteering alongside her for so many years has really reinforced the ideas of altruism, philanthropy, and generosity in me.”

Kristen's involvement spans multiple Walk to Defeat ALS events, encompassing tasks such as setup, breakdown, and logistical support. Additionally, she has eagerly returned as a volunteer for the upcoming Hope and Help Symposium on September 9, 2023, in Orlando. This symposium serves as an enlightening platform for ALS patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and ALS community supporters, featuring informative sessions and demonstrations.

Reflecting on her previous volunteer experience, Kristen shared, "Engaging directly with ALS families at events like the Hope and Help Symposium has been truly rewarding." She fondly recalls connecting with individuals living with ALS and being moved by their personal experience.

Kristen extends an invitation to others who seek to make a meaningful impact through volunteerism.

"I urge others to join in giving back and witnessing firsthand the difference our volunteer efforts can make. This experience has been enriching, expanding my awareness of diverse issues and"I urge others to join in giving back and witnessing firsthand the difference our volunteer efforts can make. This experience has been enriching, expanding my awareness on diverse issues and causes, including ALS."

Ready to make a difference? For more details on volunteering opportunities, including participation in the Hope and Help Symposium visit: https://bit.ly/ALSAVolunteer

Volunteer With Us: Volunteers support our mission by assisting with events, projects, and activities - helping to raise awareness and funding for the ALS community in Florida. We recognize the vital role volunteers play in helping us with our mission, and we're committed to ensuring involvement is positive, effective, and meaningful. We offer many different types of opportunities to get involved around the state and welcome all those who would like to participate!

We have a variety of activities coming up this summer and fall to get involved Hope and Help Symposium, Ride to Defeat ALS, Walk to Defeat ALS, and more!    

To learn more about ways to share your time and talents by completing a Volunteer Interest Form.

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JAX Ceo Soak

 

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CEO Soak Tampa

About the CEO Soak

Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, the CEO Soak has quickly grown to become one of the premier corporate engagement opportunities and entertaining events for the ALS Association. The CEO Soak engages community leaders to get soaked once again for ALS while raising critical funds and awareness for The ALS Association's mission.

How You Can Help

Challenge your peers, network with your community, boost employee morale, & compete to GET SOAKED! Join us in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to make ALS a livable disease and find a cure. Register for a soak near you or donate! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Highlights

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Rick and Sherry Murray Medical Scholarship Application

Impact your future by applying for or telling someone about the Rick & Sherry Murray Medical Futures Scholarship today! The scholarship helps students who have been affected by ALS pursue education in the medical or social work field. Know someone that fits that description? Share this link or apply today! Scholarship application deadline is July 14. 

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CEO Soak 2023

About the CEO Soak

Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, the CEO Soak has quickly grown to become one of the premier corporate engagement opportunities and entertaining events for the ALS Association. The CEO Soak engages community leaders to get soaked once again for ALS while raising critical funds and awareness for The ALS Association's mission.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Challenge your peers, network with your community, boost employee morale, & compete to GET SOAKED! Join us in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to make ALS a livable disease and find a cure.

Register for a soak near you or donate! 

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2023 Broward Walk Team

Your participation in the Walk to Defeat ALS®, has a direct impact on people living with ALS and their families. With your support we can provide specialized care, support groups, access to advocacy and research for people living with ALS. Together, we can work to defeat ALS and give hope to people living with ALS and their families throughout the state of Florida.

There is still time to register for our last walk of the spring season! The Miami Walk to Defeat ALS® will be held on Saturday, May 13th at Tropical Park
Register: Miami Walk to Defeat ALS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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Previous Highlights

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Volunteer Appreciation Month

April is National Volunteer Month! To all of our volunteers we recognize, appreciate and celebrate your dedication each and every day. Thank you for all you do!

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Leadership Council

The ALS Association Florida Chapter is thrilled to announce the newest members of our Leadership Council. Please join us in welcoming Earnest Hill of Paralyzed Veterans of America; Stuart Davidson of Robbins, Gellar, Rudman, Doud LLP and Robert Scott of Harvey Nash. We appreciate their commitment to our mission.

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CEO Soak Jax for Talle

Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, the CEO Soak has quickly grown to become one of the premier corporate engagement opportunities for The ALS Association Florida Chapter. The CEO Soak engages community leaders to get soaked once again for ALS while raising critical funds and awareness for our mission. Challenge your peers, network with your community, boost employee morale, & compete to GET SOAKED! Join us in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to make ALS a livable disease and find a cure.

Join us in Tallahassee on April 13th for our first CEO soak event of the year! Register today or visit our website to learn more: Register for the FSU CEO Soak

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Walk to Defeat ALS Tampa

Your participation in the Walk to Defeat ALS®, has a direct impact on people living with ALS and their families. With your support we can provide specialized care, support groups, access to advocacy and research for people living with ALS. Together, we can work to defeat ALS and give hope to people living with ALS and their families throughout the state of Florida.

There is still time to register for our Sarasota Walk to Defeat ALS®, Greater Tampa Bay Walk to Defeat ALS®., Broward Walk to Defeat ALS® and Miami Walk to Defeat ALS®. We hope you'll join us! 
Register for the Greater Tampa Bay Walk to Defeat ALS
Register for the Sarasota Walk to Defeat ALS
Broward Walk to Defeat ALS
Miami Walk to Defeat ALS

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Miami Open

We are excited to announce the 2023 Miami Open will be hosting their first ALS Awareness Day on March 25th! 🎾 $10 of each ticket sold for the Saturday, March 25th Miami Open will be donated directly to The ALS Association Florida Chapter! Tickets start at $55 and you have the option of attending the day program beginning at 11 AM or the evening program at 7 PM.

Over the years, the biggest names in tennis have competed at The Miami Open. In the past, awestruck fans have watched Serena Williams win a record eight singles titles, and Miami is where Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer began their rivalry, playing their first match against each other in 2004. In 2020, Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz claimed his first Masters 1000 trophy at the event. Fans this year can expect to see some of the biggest names in tennis compete.

While tennis is the star of the show at the Miami Open, there’s much more to experience. There’s always music, fashion and food, and the sprawling event space offers plenty of places to party like a pro - and of course vendors! You'll want to stop by our booth! Musicians will offer a range of tunes and DJs will pump club-like music throughout the campus. Since Miami is a cultural leader, guests can also see vibrant murals painted by six local artists throughout the space. In addition, big screens positioned throughout the stadium make sure fans and supporters won’t miss a minute of play.

Get your tickets for this inaugural event: https://fevo.me/alsmiamiopen

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Rick and Sherry Murray Medical Scholarship Application

The Rick and Sherry Murray Medical Futures Scholarship application period is now open!

The scholarship is designed to help spouses, children and grandchildren of those who are living with ALS or have lost their battle, and whose lives have been changed as a result of that experience - thus impacting their decisions to enter the medical field as a way of making a difference for future patients of any disease.

To learn more and to apply: https://bit.ly/MurrayScholarshipApplication

 
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Jax 2021 Soak

Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, the CEO Soak has quickly grown to become one of the premier corporate engagement opportunities for The ALS Association Florida Chapter. The CEO Soak engages community leaders to get soaked once again for ALS while raising critical funds and awareness for our mission. Challenge your peers, network with your community, boost employee morale, & compete to GET SOAKED! Join us in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to make ALS a livable disease and find a cure.

Join us in Tallahassee on April 6th for our first CEO soak event of the year! Register today or visit our website to learn more: https://bit.ly/FSU-CEO-Soak

Stay tuned for more CEO soaks events coming this summer!

 
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Save The Date Spring Walk To Defeat ALS

Registration is now open for Florida Walk To Defeat ALS Spring Events! 2023 is the perfect time to get involved in the fight against ALS. Set a goal for fundraising, volunteer hours, or events to attend. Learn more about our upcoming Walk To Defeat ALS® events across Florida this Spring by visiting: www.walktodefeatals.org

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Hampton Graham, ALS of Florida Board Chair (left) and Ray Carson, ALS of Florida CEO (right) present Molly Mahoney with the Ambassador of Hope award.
The ALS Association Florida Chapter Shines A Light On This Year's Ambassador of Hope Honorees

It was an honor and privilege to host our 9th Annual Hope & Help Symposium this year at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. We were so glad to be able to gather in person for the symposium for the first time since 2019. The symposium comprised informative demonstrations and sessions for individuals living with ALS, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters of the ALS community. Over the next few weeks, we will share highlights from our expert speakers and full access to the symposium presentations for those who could not attend this year's in-person event. 

Highlighting Hope

Our symposium is titled Hope and Help for a good reason. It is the dedication of our staff, volunteers, community partners, individuals living with ALS spreading awareness, our supporters who help advocate for medical research, and our clients and their caregivers who, even amid an ALS diagnosis, continue to find ways to help the ALS community. 

Each year our awards ceremony honors individuals or organizations who encompass and embody the meaning of hope. Our Ambassador of Hope award was created several years ago to recognize volunteers, people living with ALS, caregivers, or advocates who have made outstanding contributions to furthering the ALS of Florida Chapter’s work. Over the years, nearly 50 people and organizations have received this award.

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient John Cannistra smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left)
and CEO, Ray Carson, (right) present
the Ambassador of Hope Award to
John Cannistra (center).  

2022 Ambassador of Hope Honoree: John Cannistra

John Cannistra, Ambassador of Hope honoree, has been one of our most dedicated and involved volunteers over the last 10 years at the ALS Florida Chapter. He lost his beloved wife, Kathy, ten years ago to ALS. Since then, he has honored her memory by serving families in Florida who are battling ALS.

John was elected to the Florida Chapter Board of Directors in 2011 and has played a role on every committee during his tenure, including serving as Chairman of the Board in FY2018-19 and FY2019-2020, helping set the stage for the rapid growth of Florida Chapter programs and services. In his current role as Immediate Past Chairman, he is an active member of the Board’s executive and finance committees. He also represents the Florida Chapter on the national Board of Representatives.

His board term is set to expire at the end of this year. Recently, the Florida Chapter board has asked him to serve as an honorary life member of the board, only the second individual to be named to that distinction in the chapter’s history.

Congratulations, John!

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient Molly Mahoney smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left) and
CEO, Ray Carson, present Molly Mahoney
(center) with the Ambassador of
Hope Award.

2022 Ambassador of Hope Honoree: Molly Mahoney

Molly Mahoney, Ambassador of Hope award honoree, is a native of New York City but currently resides in Orlando, Florida. Molly was diagnosed with ALS in October 2019, only a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses, ALS clinics, and the Florida Chapter to virtual platforms. Despite the challenges ALS and the COVID-19 shutdown placed in her way, she has always done what she could to assist others with ALS in Orlando.

Molly has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about ALS through her active participation in the Orlando Walk to Defeat ALS and the Orlando CEO Soak. She remains a frequent and active participant in the Chapter’s Central Florida support group, and she is admired for her positive attitude as well as her willingness to offer advice to others who are newer to their diagnosis.

Congratulations, Molly!

2022 Patti Palmer Award Winner: Christine Bright

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient Christine Bright smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left)
and CEO, Ray Carson, (right) present
the Patti Palmer Award to Christine
Bright (center).  

The Patti Palmer Award was created in memory of the ALS Florida Chapter’s first Executive Director, Patti Palmer. Patti worked with the ALS Florida Chapter from 1987 up until August 2019. "I had the opportunity to work with her for only a few months and learned quickly that in many ways she represented the very soul of the Florida Chapter staff team," said Ray Carson, CEO of ALS Florida Chapter. 

The Patti Palmer Award is presented annually to a current or former staff member of The ALS Association who has exemplified excellence in helping to move forward our organizational mission.

In 1998, Christine was the ALS of Florida Chapter's first Care Services Director. Since the Chapter didn’t have a staff of care service professionals like we do today, she formed partnerships with outside agencies and trained their staff to represent the Chapter and deliver our programs. She led the care services department for over a decade and slowly assembled staff to help implement her vision. Christine is largely responsible for building the foundation for today’s programs and services. 

“I can’t begin to count all I have learned from her – she was a true role model. Patients came first in everything she did and every decision she made.” - staff member nomination.

Congratulations, Christine!

Thank You

We want to extend a big thank you to the medical professionals, caregivers, ALS community and our gracious sponsors and vendors for supporting this event. Without you, this event would not be possible. 

To view our full symposium album please visit our Facebook page. If you would like to view the symposium presentations and awards ceremony, please bookmark this blog post and check back soon for a link to the video recording. 

We are already looking forward to seeing everyone next year! 

The CEO Soak is a next-level, executive version of the Ice Bucket Challenge engaging corporate leadership to get soaked while raising money to benefit The ALS Association Florida Chapter. Executive leaders that commit to being a “Soakee” will raise awareness and funds for ALS patient care, research and advocacy – providing critical support to ALS families.

Are you/do you know a CEO/President/Manager who would love to get soaked for ALS? Get them signed up today!:

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HHS e-News

This year's Hope and Help Symposium is back in person at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando! Join us on October 8th from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM for a day of informative demonstrations and sessions for people living with ALS, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters of the ALS community. 

Tickets are free, but please RSVP here so we can get a headcount! Guests can now book rooms at the Rosen Shingle Creek for a special rate from Friday, October 7th to Sunday, October 9th! Call 1-866-996-6338 and mention the Hope and Help Symposium or use the special link by September 6th to reserve your room.

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Research e-News

Florida is leading the country for the amount of clinical trials listed on clinicaltrials.gov. No other state has as many recruiting ALS projects; several clinics in the state are searching for better treatments and a potential cure. This gives people with ALS plenty of opportunities to make a difference in research - join a trial today! 

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2022 Calendar e-Newsletter Icon

CAREGIVERS: Order calendars for 2022 that offer daily inspiration and support.

Calendars cost $5.99; Use promo code ALSAFL for every purchase so that funds are donated to The ALS Association Florida Chapter. TO ORDER: www.caregiverscomfort.com/products
Learn more.

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Support Groups

ALS Support Groups

Dealing with ALS is physically, emotionally and financially devastating. ALS Support Groups provide a caring, supportive, and open environment for people to gather, connect, and talk with one another. These groups are open to people living with ALS, their families, caregivers and friends. They provide everyone with opportunities to establish a network of valuable resources and sustained support. Our Chapter Regional Program Managers facilitate each meeting and will have speakers on relevant topics combined with time for attendees to share information and provide feedback to one another. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SUPPORT GROUPS!

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Chapter Events - Small

The ALS Association Florida Chapter Events

Our Chapter and third-party hosted events provide opportunities to #ChallengeALS: from raising awareness of ALS, to fundraising for our Chapter to support our services, these opportunities allow us to gather, connect, and fight ALS together.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CHAPTER EVENTS!

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Durable Medical Equipment in Store

Donate Equipment to The ALS Association Florida Chapter!

The ALS Association Florida Chapter greatly appreciates donations of durable medical equipment (DME), respiratory equipment, and communication devices for use in our Equipment Loan Program. The Program offers temporary loaner equipment, including speech generating devices, to Florida residents with a verified diagnosis of ALS who are uninsured, underinsured, who cannot access their insurance (while in a nursing home or hospice) or who are waiting for insurance approval.

For equipment donations, please contact 888.257.1717 ext. 113.

We will provide an acknowledgment letter to each donor for tax purposes once the donation is picked up by the DME companies that store and maintain our equipment throughout the state, Ability Medical and NuMotion.

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Ability Medical Logo
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Numotion Logo

 

Ability Medical and Numotion donate their time and services to help us fulfill our Equipment Loan Program, providing temporary loaner equipment to Florida residents in need with a verified diagnosis of ALS. For more information about our Program, click here

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Ways to Give Back Header

Fun Ways to Fight ALS

There are several ways to fight ALS through FUNdraising efforts including (but not limited to): shopping, playing games, live streaming, exercising, and SO MUCH MORE. 

LEARN HOW TO PARTICIPATE HERE!

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Financial Flower

Donate Today!

Your gift will help The ALS Association Florida Chapter support research to find a cure for ALS and provide much-needed services to people living with ALS and their families. By making your gift today, you will help sustain hope in thousands of people affected by ALS. To make an online donation, please click on the button below.

DONATE NOW!

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Connect With Us On Social Media

To get the latest updates regarding what is happening in Florida to care for, treat and fight ALS, make sure to follow us on all of our social media channels:

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Visit our Facebook

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Visit our Twitter

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Visit our Instagram

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Visit our YouTube

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Visit our LinkedIn

It was an honor and privilege to host our 9th Annual Hope & Help Symposium this year at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. We were so glad to be able to gather in person for the symposium for the first time since 2019. The symposium comprised informative demonstrations and sessions for individuals living with ALS, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters of the ALS community. Over the next few weeks, we will share highlights from our expert speakers and full access to the symposium presentations for those who could not attend this year's in-person event. 

Highlighting Hope

Our symposium is titled Hope and Help for a good reason. It is the dedication of our staff, volunteers, community partners, individuals living with ALS spreading awareness, our supporters who help advocate for medical research, and our clients and their caregivers who, even amid an ALS diagnosis, continue to find ways to help the ALS community. 

Each year our awards ceremony honors individuals or organizations who encompass and embody the meaning of hope. Our Ambassador of Hope award was created several years ago to recognize volunteers, people living with ALS, caregivers, or advocates who have made outstanding contributions to furthering the ALS of Florida Chapter’s work. Over the years, nearly 50 people and organizations have received this award.

Image

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient John Cannistra smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left)
and CEO, Ray Carson, (right) present
the Ambassador of Hope Award to
John Cannistra (center).  

2022 Ambassador of Hope Honoree: John Cannistra

John Cannistra, Ambassador of Hope honoree, has been one of our most dedicated and involved volunteers over the last 10 years at the ALS Florida Chapter. He lost his beloved wife, Kathy, ten years ago to ALS. Since then, he has honored her memory by serving families in Florida who are battling ALS.

John was elected to the Florida Chapter Board of Directors in 2011 and has played a role on every committee during his tenure, including serving as Chairman of the Board in FY2018-19 and FY2019-2020, helping set the stage for the rapid growth of Florida Chapter programs and services. In his current role as Immediate Past Chairman, he is an active member of the Board’s executive and finance committees. He also represents the Florida Chapter on the national Board of Representatives.

His board term is set to expire at the end of this year. Recently, the Florida Chapter board has asked him to serve as an honorary life member of the board, only the second individual to be named to that distinction in the chapter’s history.

Congratulations, John!

Image

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient Molly Mahoney smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left) and
CEO, Ray Carson, present Molly Mahoney
(center) with the Ambassador of
Hope Award.

2022 Ambassador of Hope Honoree: Molly Mahoney

Molly Mahoney, Ambassador of Hope award honoree, is a native of New York City but currently resides in Orlando, Florida. Molly was diagnosed with ALS in October 2019, only a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses, ALS clinics, and the Florida Chapter to virtual platforms. Despite the challenges ALS and the COVID-19 shutdown placed in her way, she has always done what she could to assist others with ALS in Orlando.

Molly has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about ALS through her active participation in the Orlando Walk to Defeat ALS and the Orlando CEO Soak. She remains a frequent and active participant in the Chapter’s Central Florida support group, and she is admired for her positive attitude as well as her willingness to offer advice to others who are newer to their diagnosis.

Congratulations, Molly!

2022 Patti Palmer Award Winner: Christine Bright

Image

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient Christine Bright smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left)
and CEO, Ray Carson, (right) present
the Patti Palmer Award to Christine
Bright (center).  

The Patti Palmer Award was created in memory of the ALS Florida Chapter’s first Executive Director, Patti Palmer. Patti worked with the ALS Florida Chapter from 1987 up until August 2019. "I had the opportunity to work with her for only a few months and learned quickly that in many ways she represented the very soul of the Florida Chapter staff team," said Ray Carson, CEO of ALS Florida Chapter. 

The Patti Palmer Award is presented annually to a current or former staff member of The ALS Association who has exemplified excellence in helping to move forward our organizational mission.

In 1998, Christine was the ALS of Florida Chapter's first Care Services Director. Since the Chapter didn’t have a staff of care service professionals like we do today, she formed partnerships with outside agencies and trained their staff to represent the Chapter and deliver our programs. She led the care services department for over a decade and slowly assembled staff to help implement her vision. Christine is largely responsible for building the foundation for today’s programs and services. 

“I can’t begin to count all I have learned from her – she was a true role model. Patients came first in everything she did and every decision she made.” - staff member nomination.

Congratulations, Christine!

Thank You

We want to extend a big thank you to the medical professionals, caregivers, ALS community and our gracious sponsors and vendors for supporting this event. Without you, this event would not be possible. 

To view our full symposium album please visit our Facebook page. If you would like to view the symposium presentations and awards ceremony, please bookmark this blog post and check back soon for a link to the video recording. 

We are already looking forward to seeing everyone next year! 

The ALS Association Florida Chapter Shines A Light On This Year's Ambassador of Hope Honorees

It was an honor and privilege to host our 9th Annual Hope & Help Symposium this year at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. We were so glad to be able to gather in person for the symposium for the first time since 2019. The symposium comprised informative demonstrations and sessions for individuals living with ALS, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters of the ALS community. Over the next few weeks, we will share highlights from our expert speakers and full access to the symposium presentations for those who could not attend this year's in-person event. 

Highlighting Hope

Our symposium is titled Hope and Help for a good reason. It is the dedication of our staff, volunteers, community partners, individuals living with ALS spreading awareness, our supporters who help advocate for medical research, and our clients and their caregivers who, even amid an ALS diagnosis, continue to find ways to help the ALS community. 

Each year our awards ceremony honors individuals or organizations who encompass and embody the meaning of hope. Our Ambassador of Hope award was created several years ago to recognize volunteers, people living with ALS, caregivers, or advocates who have made outstanding contributions to furthering the ALS of Florida Chapter’s work. Over the years, nearly 50 people and organizations have received this award.

Image

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient John Cannistra smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left)
and CEO, Ray Carson, (right) present
the Ambassador of Hope Award to
John Cannistra (center).  

2022 Ambassador of Hope Honoree: John Cannistra

John Cannistra, Ambassador of Hope honoree, has been one of our most dedicated and involved volunteers over the last 10 years at the ALS Florida Chapter. He lost his beloved wife, Kathy, ten years ago to ALS. Since then, he has honored her memory by serving families in Florida who are battling ALS.

John was elected to the Florida Chapter Board of Directors in 2011 and has played a role on every committee during his tenure, including serving as Chairman of the Board in FY2018-19 and FY2019-2020, helping set the stage for the rapid growth of Florida Chapter programs and services. In his current role as Immediate Past Chairman, he is an active member of the Board’s executive and finance committees. He also represents the Florida Chapter on the national Board of Representatives.

His board term is set to expire at the end of this year. Recently, the Florida Chapter board has asked him to serve as an honorary life member of the board, only the second individual to be named to that distinction in the chapter’s history.

Congratulations, John!

Image

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient Molly Mahoney smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left) and
CEO, Ray Carson, present Molly Mahoney
(center) with the Ambassador of
Hope Award.

2022 Ambassador of Hope Honoree: Molly Mahoney

Molly Mahoney, Ambassador of Hope award honoree, is a native of New York City but currently resides in Orlando, Florida. Molly was diagnosed with ALS in October 2019, only a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses, ALS clinics, and the Florida Chapter to virtual platforms. Despite the challenges ALS and the COVID-19 shutdown placed in her way, she has always done what she could to assist others with ALS in Orlando.

Molly has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about ALS through her active participation in the Orlando Walk to Defeat ALS and the Orlando CEO Soak. She remains a frequent and active participant in the Chapter’s Central Florida support group, and she is admired for her positive attitude as well as her willingness to offer advice to others who are newer to their diagnosis.

Congratulations, Molly!

2022 Patti Palmer Award Winner: Christine Bright

Image

Board Chair Hampton Graham, CEO Ray Carson and Award recipient Christine Bright smile at the camera as she is being presented with a crystal plaque.

Board Chair, Hampton Graham, (left)
and CEO, Ray Carson, (right) present
the Patti Palmer Award to Christine
Bright (center).  

The Patti Palmer Award was created in memory of the ALS Florida Chapter’s first Executive Director, Patti Palmer. Patti worked with the ALS Florida Chapter from 1987 up until August 2019. "I had the opportunity to work with her for only a few months and learned quickly that in many ways she represented the very soul of the Florida Chapter staff team," said Ray Carson, CEO of ALS Florida Chapter. 

The Patti Palmer Award is presented annually to a current or former staff member of The ALS Association who has exemplified excellence in helping to move forward our organizational mission.

In 1998, Christine was the ALS of Florida Chapter's first Care Services Director. Since the Chapter didn’t have a staff of care service professionals like we do today, she formed partnerships with outside agencies and trained their staff to represent the Chapter and deliver our programs. She led the care services department for over a decade and slowly assembled staff to help implement her vision. Christine is largely responsible for building the foundation for today’s programs and services. 

“I can’t begin to count all I have learned from her – she was a true role model. Patients came first in everything she did and every decision she made.” - staff member nomination.

Congratulations, Christine!

Thank You

We want to extend a big thank you to the medical professionals, caregivers, ALS community and our gracious sponsors and vendors for supporting this event. Without you, this event would not be possible. 

To view our full symposium album please visit our Facebook page. If you would like to view the symposium presentations and awards ceremony, please bookmark this blog post and check back soon for a link to the video recording. 

We are already looking forward to seeing everyone next year! 

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About Our Chapter