The ALS Association Golden West Chapter

What Is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal, neurodegenerative illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. ALS robs a person of the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and to breathe. ALS affects women and men of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. For unknown reasons, U.S. military veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS than civilians. As with most neurodegenerative diseases, currently there are no cures for ALS.

• The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from diagnosis. 
• As the disease progresses, people with ALS lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and, eventually, to breathe – all while their minds and senses continue to function. 
• ALS is not contagious and does not discriminate – it affects men and women  of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic communities around the world. 
• Approximately 10% of those diagnosed have a hereditary or familial form of  the disease. 
• People who have served in any branch of the military are diagnosed with ALS nearly twice as often as the general population. 
• Most people with ALS remain at home throughout the course of the disease and managing the progression of the disease is emotionally, physically and financially draining on families. 
• The annual costs for home care, coupled with the cost of necessary equipment (which includes speech, mobility, transportation, etc.) can exceed $200,000 per year.
   

About The ALS Association Golden West Chapter:

The mission of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter is to discover treatments and cures for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest. Our vision is to create a world without ALS. The Golden West Chapter serves people with ALS and their families in 31 counties throughout California and in the state of Hawaii. Everything we do advances the search for effective treatments and cures for ALS.

The Golden West Chapter is proud to have earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator - for the eighth consecutive year! This is the highest rating possible in recognition of our ongoing commitment to sound fiscal management, accountability and transparency. Only 5% of the charitable organizations rated receive this exceptional distinction four or more years in a row.

Gifts to the Golden West Chapter are tax-deductible as we are designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. On the IRS website, we are listed as "ALS Association Golden West Chapter" or EIN: 95-416333.