Ride For Life

Part of Ride For Life’s mission is to assist researchers in finding a cure. Our Research Committee is comprised of PALS & CALS. Besides symposium attendance committee members search the web, read ALS newsletters, scientific literature and texts. We correspond throughout the year via e-mail.

As a result of the 2009 Ride for Life funded a total of $135,000 dollars for research. After careful thought, discussion and collaboration the funds were distributed among five research groups.
• ALS Association (through Greater New York Chapter) received $35,000 for their aggressive support of research. ALSA supports researchers both in the U.S. and globally.
• ALS Therapeutic Development Foundation, Cambridge, Massachusetts received $30,000 for its work, dedication and determination to find a cure.
• Johns Hopkins, The Robert Packard Center received $30,000. The center under the direction of Dr. J. Rothstein continues to organize and support notable scientific research throughout the U. S. and world.
• The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS/MDA Center at the Neurological Institute, Columbia University received $30,000 under the direction of Dr. H. Mitsumoto for two clinical trials. One clinical trial will measure glutamate (toxic) levels and glutathione (anti-oxidant) through the use of MRS technology. The other clinical trial will examine the underlying factors that potentially influence decisions to use tracheostomy – long term mechanical ventilator.
• MDA/ALS Division received $5,000 for its support of global research scientists in ALS.

Research into the cause and cure is being carried on throughout the world but it remains an orphan disease and many questions still need to be answered. Deciding who should be funded is difficult since the scientists are dedicated in their efforts. To assist researchers in finding a cure takes an incredible amount of time, energy and money but it is the research that will find the cure.

Ride For Life is deeply grateful for all the generous donations received to fund ALS research as we continue the hope to find a cure and end this dreaded and incurable disease.

Norma Steck-Hess, RN, Ride For Life Board Member
PALS Research Chair