This note has a different feel to it as I am writing a couple hours before the Red Sox home opener with fans in attendance. It seems like a lifetime ago when the sounds of Fenway filled Boston’s spring evenings. Each day holds more promise of returning to normal, particularly as vaccinations continue apace. For those homebound persons in our community, if you have not seen or heard about the Commonwealth’s vaccination program for you, you can learn more here.
Our Chapter’s care services team has been extremely busy the past few months as we continue to make sure we are serving our community as well as adding new programming of value. In the month of April, we're hosting numerous guest speakers during our virtual Community Groups. One in particular to note is Dr. James Berry, MD, MPH and Sarah Luppino, MSN, NP-BC from the MGH ALS Clinic joining us to discuss two hot topics in ALS clinical care that are frequently discussed in our Community Groups – COVID-19 vaccines and feeding tubes. Their talk will feature a 30-45 minute presentation followed by a 45-60 minute Q&A period. You can register in advance for this session and any of our other April groups by visiting our Community Group calendar page.
April also opens our annual Walk and Ride fundraising season. As last year, all events will be held inf the Fall. We are excited to announce the Worcester Red Sox as the host of our Worcester Walk, which will be held at Polar Park, including the Walk itself around the ballfield.
Ride to Defeat ALS - Sunday, September 19, 2021
Longfellow Health Club, Wayland, MA
REGISTER FOR THE RIDE TO DEFEAT ALS
Worcester Walk to Defeat ALS - Sunday, September 26, 2021
Polar Park, Worcester, MA
REGISTER FOR THE WORCESTER WALK TO DEFEAT ALS
Boston Walk to Defeat ALS - Sunday, October 3, 2021
Carson Beach, Boston, MA
REGISTER FOR THE BOSTON WALK TO DEFEAT ALS
Western Mass Walk to Defeat ALS - Sunday, October 10, 2021
Look Memorial Park, Florence, MA
REGISTER FOR THE WESTERN MASS WALK TO DEFEAT ALS
North Shore Walk to Defeat ALS - Sunday, October 17, 2021
Endicott College, Beverly, MA
REGISTER FOR THE NORTH SHORE WALK TO DEFEAT ALS
Lastly, we would appreciate your help in attracting companies, organizations and businesses (large and small) to participate in our Chapter’s 1st Annual CEO Soak in downtown Boston at the Ring Fountain on the Rose Kennedy Greenway on June 10, 2021. In recent weeks, SBLI, Stop & Shop, Activ Surgical, the Worcester Red Sox, APIC Bio and others have joined our event. The Soak encourages employees to raise funds and watch a company CEO or designated representative get soaked in the heart of the city. If you, or anyone you know, wants to participate in this exciting new event, visit our site by clicking the button below.
Learn More About the Massachusetts CEO Soak
Be well and stay safe.
John Hedstrom is the Executive Director of The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter. John came to the Chapter by way of Washington, DC and California with an extensive background in health care advocacy and association executive leadership. He has effected change and served as the front-line voice for multiple national organizations, establishing himself as a trusted resource for many constituencies. John was born and raised in Massachusetts and now resides in the area with his wife and three children. In his tenure at The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, John has worked tirelessly to lead the Massachusetts Chapter to the forefront of the ALS Association. He continues to prioritize providing our families with more comprehensive care services, funding additional research, and more robust advocacy efforts.
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