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Join us at the Walk to Defeat ALS in your area!

Fundraising through the Walk drives bold and urgent innovation as we march together toward a treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS.

Walk to Defeat ALS Western Massachusetts
Join us September 10 at Look Park in Northhampton, MA, with check in at 10:00 a.m. and the Walk taking place at 11:30 a.m.
Register today! bit.ly/WalkWesternMA2023

Walk to Defeat ALS Worcester
Join us October 7 at Polar Park in Worcester, MA, with check in at 10:00 a.m. and the Walk taking place at 11:30 a.m.
Register today! bit.ly/WalkWorcester2023

Walk to Defeat ALS Boston
Join us October 15 at UMass Boston in Boston, MA, with check in at 10:00 a.m. and the Walk taking place at 11:30 a.m.
Register today! bit.ly/WalkBoston2023

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Save the Date - Living Fully With ALS takes place Friday, October 27

Save the date for the ALS Association’s 2023 Symposium “Living Fully with ALS” on October 27, 2023. The symposium takes place on Zoom and provides research updates, care information, resources and inspiration for people living with ALS and family caregivers.  The event will include an exhibit of virtual art and creative practices by people living with ALS, and by ALS caregivers.  New this year – networking opportunities before and after workshops!  Tickets will be free to people living with ALS and family caregivers.  Registration will open two weeks before the event – watch your mail and email for information.  Tickets can be used two ways - for participation the day of event, and to view recorded sessions later at your convenience.  Watch your postal mail and email for our announcement and registration link when registration opens.

The day will include:

• Morning and afternoon attendee networking – meet your peers from around the region
• Genetics and ALS – a research update with Dr. Jonathan Glass
• Evolution of the Wheelchair – use throughout an ALS Journey
• Working Together for Change
• Nutrition and Quality of Life research, medical, dietary and speech/language/swallow perspectives with Dr. Rup Tandan and UVM ALS Clinic team
• Caregivers’ Wisdom
• Virtual Creativity Expo 

Call for Artists

Artists and individuals with creative practices to share are invited to submit image, text, or video in the formats detailed below, along with a picture of themselves and a statement about how their art or creative practice helps them to live more fully with ALS. Materials will be placed in exhibit virtual booths. The Expo will be open for an hour before Symposium, during Symposium, and for one hour after Symposium. Artists can attend their booth to interact with visitors via a chat feature, but are not required to do so.

To exhibit - contact Karin Hammer-Williamson at [email protected] or 802-662-4809 (talk or text) with you name, email, phone number, and a description of the type of art or creative practice you are interested in sharing. You will receive a confirmation email within 2 business days. Booth submissions are due by October 14, 2023.

Quality of Life Grants

The goal of The ALS Association Quality of Life Program is to provide financial grants in the amount of $600.00 to help cover expenses associated with an ALS diagnosis. Expenses include respite and assistance for caregivers and families, durable medical equipment, communication devices, home modifications, travel to clinics/doctor visits/medical care, and other needs. Please contact your Care Services Manager for more information and a grant application.

Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program

Need a piece of durable medical equipment? Don’t forget to talk to your Care Services Manager about the Equipment Loan program. We have an array of items. Care Service Managers will arrange for delivery with our Durable Medical Equipment Partners

Ramp Program

The ALS Association partners with AmRamp, a national ramp manufacturer and installer to assist families in designing an procuring a ramp. Funds are available to help defray the cost through this partnership.

Foundation for Life Legacy Grant

Grants are available to help defray the cost of Medical Equipment, Assistive living devices, Technological devices, Ramps, Stairlifts, Bathroom Modifications,

Respite Care and Co-payment for such medical equipment not fully covered by insurance. Grant must be secured prior to purchase of item or services. Vendors will be paid directly.

ALS Connect

The Association is offering digital inclusion care grants for the below categories. Grants will be provided directly to each person/family through a receipt-based reimbursement program.

• Technology (Laptop, Tablet, IPad)
• Internet network provider
• Technology setup/support

Community Groups

VIRTUAL

For People living with ALS, Family & Friends
Community Group
1st Tuesday of the month
12-1:30pm

Community Group
1st Wednesday of the month
6:30-7:30pm

Community Group
3rd Wednesday of the month
1-2:30pm

Community Group
3rd Thursday of the month
11am-noon

Community Group for People Living with Bulbar ALS or using speech generating devices
4th Tuesday of the month
11am-12pm

For Family Caregivers and Care Partners
2nd Thursday of the month
1-2:30pm

For Family Caregivers and Care Partners
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

HYBRID - in person/virtual

Community Group
3rd Wednesday of the month
3-4:30pm
Morse Institute Library, Natick MA

To participate in a support group, reach out to your care service manager to register.

For more information contact your local Chapter:
200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1000 Westborough, MA 01581
781-255-8884
888-287-3257
[email protected]