PR Newswire
06/15/04, 10:47a
(Copyright © 2004, PR Newswire)

2004 campaign at CVS to build on last year's $1.7 million contribution in the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jun 15, 2004 -- CVS/pharmacy and the ALS Therapy Alliance have launched the 2004 "ALS Stars" campaign to benefit Lou Gehrig's Disease research at Massachusetts General Hospital's Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease in Boston, MA. With a $1 donation between now and June 26th, CVS/pharmacy customers nationwide can purchase an ALS "Star" to be displayed at their local CVS/pharmacy. Customers can also personalize their ALS Star with their name or the name of a friend or loved one. As a result of the 2003 ALS Stars campaign, CVS customers and employees donated $1.7 million to fund research at the Institute, and 100% of this year's donations will go towards continuing this important work.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the degeneration of the motor neurons of the central nervous system. Although it does not impact intelligence or memory, ALS leads to progressive paralysis of the limbs, the diaphragm and the muscles needed for eating and speaking. The disease is ultimately fatal.

"The 'ALS Stars' campaign was created because this devastating disease profoundly impacts our community," said Jon Roberts, Senior Vice President of Store Operations at CVS/pharmacy. "As a healthcare company, we wanted to provide the opportunity for our customers to help support research that will lead to new treatments for ALS. The work being done at Mass General is truly exceptional, and we are proud to contribute to this cause."

This MGH-led initiative is a collaborative with the ALS Therapy Alliance, which includes researchers from Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham & Women's Hospital and the University of Massachusetts.