This year our Ride for Life research funding was chaired by PALS, Norma Steck-Hess. With great diligence Norma, a retired nursing supervisor, examined research funding options. She participated with me in seminars held by ALS TDF, ALSA and Johns Hopkins. After careful deliberation and discussion amongst Ride participants, the Committee made the following recommendations. Ride for Life was pleased to fund a total of $165,500 dollars of research for this year. The funds were distributed among five research groups.

$55,000 for ALS TDF to continue their high tech, cutting edge work.

$42,500 for Johns Hopkins in support of the Packard Research consortium.

$40,000 for ALS Associations (through Greater New York Chapter) and its exciting work on a wide range of initiatives led by Dr. Brujin

$20,000 for Dr. Gordon of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in support of the first multi drug clinical trial about to begin

$8,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (through the Suffolk Chapter) in recognition of their continued research programs.

This year’s total brings to over $700,000 in research money generated by Ride for Life – patients working together to make a difference. We are hopeful for a treatment and ultimately a cure in the near future. Until then, we commit ourselves, our families and our friends along with our business sponsors to continue the fight.

We salute all the patients, everywhere who are working for the common goal of defeating ALS.

We celebrate the nearly three dozen fallen Ride friends that we have lost.

Chris Pendergast, PALS and Ride Founder, along with the entire 2005 Ride family