ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Progress
  • Sign up
  • |
  • Login
  • |
  • Find local services
  • |
  • Search Close
  • |
  • Menu Close

 

Californians Can Be a Hero at Tax Time and “Get the 414 on ALS” to
Help Fund a Cure for Lou Gehrig’s Disease with State Income Tax Contributions

February 21, 2013 –

414 Logo-dark orgThis tax season, Californians have an opportunity to make a difference in the fight to defeat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) by giving $25 or more to the ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease Research Fund on line 414 of their state tax return.

The four California chapters of The ALS Association have launched a grassroots, public awareness campaign about the disease to inform taxpayers that they can make a donation on state tax returns to support cutting-edge research to discover new ALS treatments and a cure.  The “Get the 414 on ALS” campaign seeks to inform both California taxpayers and tax preparers that regardless of income, any state resident can help conquer ALS. More information about the campaign is available online: www.GetThe414onALS.org.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes people to lose their ability to walk, speak, swallow and eventually to breathe; while in most circumstances, all five senses and mental functions remain intact. Once diagnosed, most people with ALS survive an average of two to five years.

Currently, there is no known cause and no known cure. However, scientific advancements identifying new genes and drug pathways are vital to revealing new targets for treatment and are occurring at an unprecedented rate.

“The progress in ALS research over the last few years gives us every reason to believe that new discoveries are right around the corner,” said California ALS Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Jim Barber, who has been living with ALS since 2006. “We’re depending on the generous support from California tax payers to help get us there.”

This essential fundraising initiative would not be possible if it weren’t for the dedicated work of passionate California ALS advocates, the leadership of Senator Juan Vargas and President pro-tem Darrell Steinberg, and the approval of Governor Edmund Brown., To date, the annual campaign has raised nearly $500,000 in voluntary contributions.

“We want people to understand that ALS affects people from all walks of life, and above all, to know that their donation makes our quest for a cure possible,” said California ALS Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Jared Gill, who lost his father to ALS in 2000. “Californians are incredibly generous. We know their continued support will again send a strong message to our state legislature regarding the importance of supporting programs and research initiatives that benefit people with ALS and their loved ones.”

California is one of 41 states allowing all taxpayers to make a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution to one or more worthwhile causes in the “contributions” section of the state tax return. Every year, the organizations must raise a minimum of $250,000 or be removed from the tax form. Even a small donation will have a significant impact on funding programs that support a range of important issues from medical research to the environment; reduction of violence and child abuse; to assistance to seniors; and honoring our men and women in uniform.

The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. Our mission is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. Our vision is to create a world without ALS.

The four California chapters of The ALS Association, (from north to south - Greater Sacramento, Golden West, Orange County, and Greater San Diego), spearheaded the efforts that led to the fund being added to the state’s income tax form.
 

Californians Can Be a Hero at Tax Time and “Get the 414 on ALS” to
Help Fund a Cure for Lou Gehrig’s Disease with State Income Tax Contributions

February 21, 2013 –

414 Logo-dark orgThis tax season, Californians have an opportunity to make a difference in the fight to defeat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) by giving $25 or more to the ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease Research Fund on line 414 of their state tax return.

The four California chapters of The ALS Association have launched a grassroots, public awareness campaign about the disease to inform taxpayers that they can make a donation on state tax returns to support cutting-edge research to discover new ALS treatments and a cure.  The “Get the 414 on ALS” campaign seeks to inform both California taxpayers and tax preparers that regardless of income, any state resident can help conquer ALS. More information about the campaign is available online: www.GetThe414onALS.org.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes people to lose their ability to walk, speak, swallow and eventually to breathe; while in most circumstances, all five senses and mental functions remain intact. Once diagnosed, most people with ALS survive an average of two to five years.

Currently, there is no known cause and no known cure. However, scientific advancements identifying new genes and drug pathways are vital to revealing new targets for treatment and are occurring at an unprecedented rate.

“The progress in ALS research over the last few years gives us every reason to believe that new discoveries are right around the corner,” said California ALS Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Jim Barber, who has been living with ALS since 2006. “We’re depending on the generous support from California tax payers to help get us there.”

This essential fundraising initiative would not be possible if it weren’t for the dedicated work of passionate California ALS advocates, the leadership of Senator Juan Vargas and President pro-tem Darrell Steinberg, and the approval of Governor Edmund Brown., To date, the annual campaign has raised nearly $500,000 in voluntary contributions.

“We want people to understand that ALS affects people from all walks of life, and above all, to know that their donation makes our quest for a cure possible,” said California ALS Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Jared Gill, who lost his father to ALS in 2000. “Californians are incredibly generous. We know their continued support will again send a strong message to our state legislature regarding the importance of supporting programs and research initiatives that benefit people with ALS and their loved ones.”

California is one of 41 states allowing all taxpayers to make a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution to one or more worthwhile causes in the “contributions” section of the state tax return. Every year, the organizations must raise a minimum of $250,000 or be removed from the tax form. Even a small donation will have a significant impact on funding programs that support a range of important issues from medical research to the environment; reduction of violence and child abuse; to assistance to seniors; and honoring our men and women in uniform.

The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. Our mission is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. Our vision is to create a world without ALS.

The four California chapters of The ALS Association, (from north to south - Greater Sacramento, Golden West, Orange County, and Greater San Diego), spearheaded the efforts that led to the fund being added to the state’s income tax form.