IMPORTANT UPDATE: The well being of the ALS community is always our top priority. As the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, the Golden West Chapter is closely following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as state, county and local public health agency mandates. As we continue to adapt to this evolving situation, we are guided by our Chapter’s high standards of accountability and transparency, and will continue to take action in the best interests of all. Please visit our website frequently to stay current on our response to COVID-19 and information about vaccines for people with ALS. The Golden West Chapter’s response during this pandemic in alignment with our mission and vision, but requires unexpected resources. Please help us continue to meet the needs of our ALS community.
This month, we challenge you to #VoiceYourLove to help raise awareness about ALS and one of its many devastating impacts: the loss of the ability to speak.
This month, we challenge you to #VoiceYourLove to help raise awareness about ALS and one of its many devastating impacts: the loss of the ability to speak.
ASK ME Webinar: ALS and Palliative Care
Please watch for our ASK ME webinar, "ALS and Palliative Care" featuring Annie Brashem, LCSW; Deann Del Rio, RN; and Patti Giallanzo, NP from the Palliative Care team at John Muir Health. Palliative care prioritizes comfort and quality of life by addressing symptoms that someone with ALS may experience. The team will define the differences between hospice and palliative care; will discuss when these important services should be considered and how to avoid any stigma and misunderstanding of what palliative care means; and how to ask your healthcare provider about it.
ASK ME Webinar: ALS and Palliative Care
Please watch for our ASK ME webinar, "ALS and Palliative Care" featuring Annie Brashem, LCSW; Deann Del Rio, RN; and Patti Giallanzo, NP from the Palliative Care team at John Muir Health. Palliative care prioritizes comfort and quality of life by addressing symptoms that someone with ALS may experience. The team will define the differences between hospice and palliative care; will discuss when these important services should be considered and how to avoid any stigma and misunderstanding of what palliative care means; and how to ask your healthcare provider about it.
Calendar of Activities and Events
There is always something going on at the Golden West Chapter. Please check out our calendar to see what is happening this month and to save the date for future activities and events. From our monthly support groups to our community outreach events, there are many opportunities for you and your family to connect with us.
Mark Your Calendar
Serving Hawaii’s ALS Community
The Golden West Chapter serves families facing ALS throughout all of the Hawaiian Islands. Please visit our Hawaii ALS community page to learn more about local activities, monthly support groups, outreach events, and important news. Mahalo lui noa for your support!
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More Ways to Give
There are many ways that you can support the Golden West Chapter, from setting up a fundraiser on Facebook, to shopping on Amazon Smile, and purchasing one or more of books written by members of our ALS community.
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Walk to Defeat ALS
Our Walk to Defeat ALSŪ events are held between April and November throughout the Golden West Chapter's service area. Although we will not be gathering together in person this year, these annual community outreach events are still critical components of the Chapter’s care services, fundraising, and public awareness efforts in the fight against ALS. They are an opportunity to come together and honor people with ALS and their families, learn important information, and to show your support for the ALS community.
Find A Walk Near You
Ride to Defeat ALS and Team Challenge ALS
Team Challenge ALS is The ALS Association Golden West Chapter's comprehensive endurance program to help fight ALS. Combine your passion and commitment to finding a cure for ALS while achieving physical challenges by participating in athletic events, such as our Rides to Defeat ALS, hikes, marathons, 5k's, basketball tournaments, and other endurance activities.
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Host your own event to support our Chapter
Using our online event tool, One Dollar Difference is an easy way to start fun and creative events to help raise funds on behalf of the Golden West Chapter. You can help support the ALS community and create a custom web page to promote your fundraiser anytime and anywhere! So go ahead and run a marathon, host a local community event, or donate your birthday to raise funds and help create a world without ALS.
Get Started
Celebrate a Loved One with ALS
Pay tribute to a friend or loved one affected by ALS by joining our Community of Hope. You can create a personalized web page, including photos and video, to share their story with your supporters and establish a lasting legacy in honor or memory of someone special's battle with ALS. It's quick and easy to get started, and we're here to help every step of the way!
Learn More
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating your journey with the disease, caring for a person with ALS, or researching the cure, there are resources to support you.
Let us help you and your family cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with ALS.
For People with ALS
Learn about our grant program, upcoming scientific meetings, and opportunities to collaborate.
For Researchers
Caring for someone with ALS can be challenging. We offer resources and support to help.
For Caregivers- The Michelsens' Journey with Love and ALS
February 14, 2021 - Brenda and Kelly Kraft: One Couple’s Experience with Feeding Tubes and ALS
February 13, 2021 - Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
February 12, 2021 - Feeding Tube Awareness Week Q&A
February 10, 2021 - COVID Webinar Updates Community on Vaccine Access
February 5, 2021
Today: 'Meant to be': Man Finds Loving Home for Senior Rescue Dog 3 Days Before Dying
February 10, 2021
NewsChannel 3-12: Santa Barbara Activists Host Car Caravan Demanding Guaranteed Health Care
February 6, 2021
Neurology Today: Black Patients with ALS Face Significant Diagnostic Delays, Large Study Confirms
February 4, 2021
The Hollywood Reporter: Stacy Title, 'The Bye Bye Man' and 'Down on the Waterfront' Filmmaker, Dies at 56
January 11, 2021
People: Rebecca Luker Died from ALS Complications, Says Husband: 'She Remained Positive and Kind Until the End
January 6, 2021
Heavy: This ‘Star Trek’ Cast Member is Dealing with ALS
January 6, 2021
CBS Los Angeles: Vin Scully’s Wife, Sandra Scully, Dies At 76 From ALS Complications
January 4, 2021
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Your gift will help The ALS Association Golden West Chapter support research to find treatments and cures for ALS, provide much-needed services to people with ALS and their families, and fund important public policy initiatives on behalf of the ALS commmunity. By becoming a part of the Golden West Chapter and making your gift today, you will help provide help and hope to thousands of people affected by ALS.