patient profile - The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter
Transcription
patient profile - The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter
news G R E AT E R P H I L A D E L P H I A C H A P T E R “NEVER ALONE. TOGETHER IN HOPE.” Winter 2015 PATIENT PROFILE CRAIG COLBY Craig and Kristen Colby say that they saved each other. Neither could have imagined the hurdles they would face, but those challenges only made their love stronger. In the comics, Charlie Brown desperately wants to be with the Little Red Haired Girl. He’d give anything to just get a Valentine from her. Sometimes life plays out better than art. In 1992, Craig Colby, then at an all-boys high school, was playing the role of Charlie Brown in the school play. A young Kristen Halaszi from a neighboring school was in the play as the Little Red Haired Girl. It was an experience that Craig would not forget. However, life first imitated art. Charlie Brown did not end up with the Red Haired Girl… at least not yet. Both Craig and Kristen went on their separate ways. Craig, originally from the Boston area, graduated and went on to be a manager at a number of pizza restaurants. A friend had moved to Hawaii to run a videography company and encouraged Craig to come out to see opportunities there. Craig’s father had recently passed away and he was feeling burnt out, so he took up the offer and moved. INSIDE T BUCKE E C I E H T NGE’S CHALLE ECT NG EFF WARMI Craig began to get “‘island fever”’ in 2002 and thought about life back on the mainland. He was watching a video of that Charlie Brown musical with a friend and said “I wonder whatever happened to that girl.” That led Continued on page 8-9 E T A D E H SAVE-T L A V I T S PHE IES L L I H P the 1984, nce ark. Si o Strike Out P k n a t B itizens 15.2 million adelphia.org C t a d el r$ hil To be h ve raised ove at www.alsp a s l h i a s es Phillie for more det emselv l a h i t h g p l n i e ook tiva njoy Philad ALS. L olbys e Phillies Phes C e h T al – 014 PhesDtiEvTAILS at the 2 R ? FO AGE ? SEE P 5 J 01 2 , 1 UNE THE REAL YEAR END CHALLENGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair, Board of Trustees Jeffrey L. Abrams, Esq. Chair, Board of Overseers Sandra Piersol Chair Emeritus, Board of Trustees Benjamin S. Ohrenstein, Esq. Chair Emeritus, Board of Overseers President Ellyn C. Phillips Vice Chair Patricia M. Lake-Quinn Secretaries Sandra Piersol Christina Martin Treasurer Bruce Berkowitz Assistant Treasurer Mom and I take the challenge this year I CHALLENGE YOU TO DONATE TO the Ellyn fund Dear Friends, I am highjacking my mom’s column. Julie Strong Karnavas Rhoda Albom Gila Aviram Michael Barkann Dominick Bartone Julie Charlestein-Benjamin Holly Bennett Bradley A. Bingaman, Esq. Ellen Brosso Suzanne Bruce Tony Burns Marcy Cardonick R. Douglas Carpenter Ted Collins Claire Conway Konnie Crawford Ann Cutler Laurence J. Delaney Karen Delaney Shideleff Michele DeVicaris Arthur R. Ersner, M.D. Ellen B. Farber Deborah Ann Ferreira Lawrence Finkelstein, Esq. Nancy Giles Raina Gorman Robert Goudie Thomas H. Hipp Mary Ruth Johnson David Kasoff Frank J. Kelly James R. Koller Robert A. Korn, Esq. Sheila Lessin Leonard M. Lodish Melissa Ludwig JoAnn Marano Danielle Mariano Kathryn A Meloni, Esq. Scott Nickle Richard P. Pirollo Doug Proctor Daniel Quinn David M. Ricci Michael Rifkin Raymond Rose Wesley Rose Lisa Schwab Dale Shimer Suzanne Shorten, MD Janet Unger John Weber Brad Wenger Felice Wiener Lauren Stevenson Yacina 2 My dad died from ALS when I was three years old. He was 36. My mom, Ellyn Phillips, was 33. That was 30 years ago. Now I’m the same age my mom was when my dad died. And there is still no cure for ALS. The only memories I have of my dad are of an inert body, either in a wheelchair or lying in a bed. When he was diagnosed, the doctor literally told him to “just go home and die.” I don’t wish this on any kid. My mom, Ellyn, along with Chapter Board, Volunteers and Staff put The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia on the map. You can be sure they don’t want anyone to have to go through what my dad endured either. Please donate to the Ellyn fund. Every dollar will help researchers find a cure for the disease that has been a cloud hovering over my entire life and provide care for hundreds who are faced with the challenges of this disease. I know them all too well. You can either give on-line at www.alsphiladelphia.org/2014EllynFund or complete the enclosed card today. My mom made sure the loss of my dad would be turned into a positive. And for the past 30 years she and many others have dedicated their lives to awakening the world. My mom and grandmother, Malvina, forged a relationship with Nancy Giles and the Phillies that is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. The fact that this partnership has endured for so long and raised millions for ALS says volumes about my mom’s integrity, grit and love. My single goal…eliminate ALS. Remember the ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE? I joined Taylor Swift, Bill Gates and Oprah and dumped ice for ALS. executive director JIM PINCIOTTI Another year has come to an end (our accounting year ends on January 31), and what an amazing, phenomenal, crazy year it was. The ALS Association was the beneficiary of one of the largest social media events that has ever taken place. It is almost impossible to find someone who did not participate in dumping a bucket of ice water in support of our mission. Google has stated that “Ice Bucket Challenge (IBC)” was one of the top 5 searches nationwide. The amount of money raised, over $115 million, is nearly as important as the amount of awareness that ALS received. Not since Lou Gehrig made his famous “luckiest man” speech 75-years ago, has there been as much talk and as many people hearing of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. This fantastic largess will be transformational and will be used to bring help and hope to families living with ALS in ways that were never before possible. SUMMER 2013 Dad and Me 30 years ago Mom and Me together The majority of Ice Bucket money is going to ALS research critical to finding new ALS treatments. And a large amount is supporting annual grants to comprehensive ALS Centers. When my dad, Alan, was diagnosed, we had to travel to New York City for care. Today, there are ALS Treatment Centers in Philadelphia, Hershey, Danville, PA and the Lehigh Valley and many others throughout the country. My mom has been instrumental in getting out the word about ALS, but, the Ice Bucket Challenge brought this disease recognition beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. Keep the ice coming. No matter how much money is raised through the Ice Bucket Challenge, it cannot be enough until ALS becomes a disease of the past. Because while the Ice Bucket certainly helped the ALS cause, we are by no means there yet. If you want me to dump more ice on my head, I’ll do it. Keep the ice flowing. We need it. Thank you, as always, for your support of my mom’s work, Already $21.1 million has been allocated for four specific research projects that would not have even begun without the IBC (see next page). AND – The ALS Association was able to leverage this allocation into an additional $12.5 million in donations from other donors. As exciting as this is, I am also encouraged with an announcement made in December about collaboration between our Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and Major League Baseball to fund a research project aimed at finding a potential therapy for ALS. This project is taking place right here in Philadelphia at The University of Pennsylvania. This is the kind of collaboration The ALS Association fosters and has become known for to achieve its mission. If each individual, company, and institution engaged in all elements of research, discovery, trials and therapies were brought together, imagine the power and possibilities. With all the blessings the IBC brings to the fight against ALS, it also brings its own challenge. How do we keep the momentum going? It is vital that we continue to inform and educate as well as cultivate these new donors to become faithful, long term members of our ALS community. The Chapter as well as the national ALS Association will do our part, but we cannot do it alone. You can help. Take any opportunity to talk about ALS and The ALS Association. ‘Friend’ The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter on Facebook and share posts, (on Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform as well). Participate in one of the seven Walk to Defeat ALS® events in our region. Attend any of our Chapter fundraising events or Community Partner events held by families to benefit the Chapter. Sign up for our monthly giving program. Make a planned gift from your 401-K, insurance policy, through your will, or by utilizing any of a number of other options. Create and host your own fundraising event. The possibilities are limitless. I offer you my heartfelt thanks for everything you do to enable us to bring help and hope to those families living with ALS, and to pursue our vision of A WORLD WITHOUT ALS. I promise we will be good stewards of your support. May you be blessed seven times seventy times for your caring, consideration, and concern. OUR NEXT BIG THING TABLE of CONTENTS www.alsphiladelphia.org/abrams The ALS Association is the most diverse, dynamic and successful organization helping families living with ALS. But, “help” is a big word when it comes to caring for a loved one with ALS. Thanks to one man’s vision, our Chapter offers the most unique program of its kind– the Howard I. Abrams In-Home Care Program. Last year 91 patients received 12-14 hours of care a week in their own homes, surrounded by their families. Total cost? $369,944. Aides bathe, feed, toilet, dress and attend to many other needs. For some patients, their presence makes it possible for a family member to work, for a PS - Please write your check or give online today at www.alsphiladelphia.org/2014ellynfund From the Executive Director......... page 3 Research Update........................ page 4 Annual Luncheon........................ page 5 ALS Advocates........................ page 6-7 Patient Profile continued.........pages 8-9 Past WALKS.......................pages 10-11 Past Events........................pages 12-13 Volunteers & Resource.............. page 14 In Memoriam........................... page 15 SAVE THE DATE Upcoming Events................... page 16 continued on page 7 1 - 8 7 7 - G E H R I G - 1 www.alsphiladelphia.org 3 research update ANNUAL LUNCHEON HONORS 30-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES THE ALS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES INITIAL COMMITMENT OF $21.7 MILLION FROM ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE DONATIONS TO EXPEDITE SEARCH FOR TREATMENTS AND A CURE FOR ALS ADDITIONAL $12.5 MILLION IN MATCHING GIFTS SECURED BRINGS TOTAL COMMITMENT TO $34.2 MILLION Washington, D.C. (October 2, 2014)— After the generous outpouring of support from people all around the globe due to this summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge, the Board of Trustees of The ALS Association has approved an initial expenditure of $21.7 million in funding to support six programs and initiatives to expedite the search for treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Additionally, $12.5 million in matching donations brings the total commitment to $34.2 million. Four of these projects involve global research cooperative alliances that would not have moved forward without this significant funding from The Association, made possible through the generosity of donors worldwide, along with matching gifts. “We recognize the sense of urgency felt by people living with the disease and their families and I want to assure everyone that our number one commitment is to making decisions that get treatments to patients in the fastest way possible,” said Barbara Newhouse, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “Our roadmap to treatments involves collaboration with other ALS organizations and with industry, university investigators, government agencies, pharmaceutical and biotech companies and other nonprofit organizations committed to the fight against ALS.” 4 During a 30-day period this summer, The ALS Association received more than $100 million in donations. Over the last few weeks, The Association has actively convened key stakeholder groups, including a panel of advisors made up of people living with ALS, to provide input into a comprehensive plan after approval from the Board of Trustees. The bulk of The ALS Association’s initial $21.7 million commitment—$18.5 million—will advance four new cooperative alliances for the next one to three years involving research that has been identified as critical to finding new treatments for ALS: ALS Accelerated Therapeutics (ALS ACT), The New York Genome Center, the Neuro Collaborative, and Project MinE. These projects would not have been possible without Ice Bucket Challenge donations. There will be synergies between these four initiatives that will increase the quantity, and most importantly, the value of data openly available to the ALS research community worldwide. The ALS Association will play a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts. Under the leadership of The ALS Association’s Chief Scientist, Lucie Bruijn, Ph.D., M.B.A., The Association has been involved in the planning of each of these new collaborations, and, in each case, has sought the advice and evaluation of leading researchers to assess scientific merit, to gather additional ideas for each project, and to ensure the maximum relevance to future therapies. Photos clockwise: (top left) (l-r) Curt and Shonda Schilling had the chance to speak with US Navy Lt. Commander Matt Bellina, who is living with ALS • Citizens Bank President Daniel K. Fitzpatrick and Chris Cashman (presenting for Dan Hilferty who was unable to attend) each spoke about their company’s commitment to the ALS cause • Phillies Third Baseman, Cody Asche (rear) met Roger Kirk (seated) at this year’s Phillies Phestival and was so inspired that he flew in from Nebraska to meet them again at the luncheon. WATCH VIDEOS OF LEADING ALS RESEARCHERS at www.alsphiladelphia.org/research See more at: http://www.alsa.org/ news/media/press-releases/ibc-initialcommitment.html ALS ASSOCIATION JOINS FORCES WITH MLB AND MDA TO FUND RESEARCH PROJECT The ALS Association has partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to fund a research project aimed at finding a potential therapy for ALS. An award totaling $240,000 has been presented to molecular biologist James Shorter, Ph.D., of Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The award has been made possible in part by Major League Baseball’s commitment to ALS research and this summer’s viral ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Read more at: http://www.alsa.org/news/archive/ als-association-and-mda-advance.html On Friday, November 14th, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter and the Philadelphia Phillies came together to commemorate a phenomenal 30 year relationship to Strike Out ALS at our Annual Luncheon at Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Members of the Phillies family from the past three decades attended and spoke, including David Montgomery, Bill Giles, Curt Schilling, Geoff Geary and Cody Asche. Special Phillies guests such as Regina Castellani, Peg and Mickey Morandini, and Vince Nauss made this truly a trip down memory lane for many. The Luncheon Chairs were Daniel Fitzpatrick of Citizens Bank and Daniel Hilferty of Independence Blue Cross. Both companies were also presenting sponsors. Triple Crown Sponsors included the Farber Family Foundation, The Ron Krancer Family and PARX Casino. MVP Sponsors were Abrams And Ingersoll, LLP, ARAMARK, Cozen O’Connor, Chris Kanter, Geoff and Nora Kanter and Jim and Marianne Koller. The luncheon presented highlights from the thirty years through videos created by Dan Stephenson the team’s Manager, Video Production. 1984-1993 was emceed by Scott Palmer, Phillies Director of Public Affairs. Phillies Broadcaster Tom McCarthy introduced 1994-2003 and Michael Barkann of Comcast SportsNet brought us from 2004 – Present, which of course include the 2008 World Series Championship. Chapter Board Member Lauren Stevenson Yacina, who lost her mother to ALS, creatively assembled a most memorable keepsake book for the team, as well as spoke about her ALS experience. Karen Delaney Shideleff, also an ALS Board Member and patient, spoke poignantly about her disease and her 25 family members who have had ALS. The event raised $280,000 for the work of the Chapter. On behalf of all of our ALS families, thank you to the Phillies for your tremendous support, raising over $15.2 million for ALS patient care and research since 1984. You can tack on another $30,000! The Phillies organization announced their 30-year total raised for ALS by way of a banner across the stage – the $15.2 million does not include their additional $30,000 gift. 1 - 8 7 7 - G E H R I G - 1 www.alsphiladelphia.org 5 ADVOCACY ALS ADVOCATES MAKE A DIFFERENCE ALL YEAR LONG Nationally, our advocates have helped secure over $650 million for ALS research since 1998, changed rules regarding Social Security and Medicare benefits, and established the ALS Registry. Advocates have passed a line item for ALS patient care in Pennsylvania, recognized Lou Gehrig in Delaware, and passed legislation to allow taxpayers in New Jersey to donate to The ALS Association through their tax returns. Join us for Pennsylvania Advocacy Day this year on Tuesday, April 21 in Harrisburg and then for National ALS Advocacy Day May 10-12 to meet with members of Congress. To learn more, email Tony@alsphiladelphia.org Wes Rose and Suzanne Shorten share their stories in Washington, DC and in Pennsylvania LeSean McCoy CONTINUES TO FIGHT ALS BY THE YARD or call 215-664-4139 OUR NEXT BIG THING continued from page 3 Lynn and Joe Sontowski work year-round to make this event such a success. The whole Mackler Clan pitches in every year MACKLER 5K TOPS ALL RECORDS On Sunday, October 26, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the wonderful Mackler 5K, which Scott Mackler started when he was newly diagnosed with ALS. All funds raised support The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter’s Scott A. Mackler, MD, PhD Assistive Technology Program. This year, a record $105,867 was raised by runners and walkers from Scott’s family, friends, synagogue, his summer camp and Pi Kappa Alpha: Beta Pi Fraternity at the University of Pennsylvania. Special thanks to organizers Joe Sontowski, Harvey Mackler, Noah Snyder-Mackler and Alexander SnyderMackler. In a hotly contested sprint to the top, the top fundraising team was Camp Harlam and the top individual 6 child to play after school, or a friend to drive the kids to school. The need for this program’s expansion is essential. Please consider the value home care provides to beneficiaries and give to LeSean McCoy enjoyed a moment with his new friends Charlotte and Steve Potter www.alsphiladelphia.org/abrams In 2014, LeSean McCoy became the all time top running back of all time for the Philadelphia Eagles. Yet as great as his actions are on the field, we are fans for what he does off the field to support people with ALS. LeSean started a fan based program called Fight ALS by the Yard in memory of his grandmother, who passed away from Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and he is calling on all of his fans to join his team. Howard Abrams’ son Jeff and his daughter–in-law Margaret Barry will MATCH your gift up to $25,000. fundraising award went to Alexander Snyder-Mackler. The cumulative amount raised since 1999 is now well over $2,000,000. Sadly the manifestations of Lou Gehrig’s disease ended Scott’s brilliant research career on November 13th, 2013. Even though Scott’s compassionate spirit and humanitarian efforts will be sorely missed, his philanthropic contributions to all Persons with ALS will continue to live on in his absence through his Assistive Technology Program. Over the years, there has never been an ALS patient in the Greater Philadelphia region who has gone without communicative technology because they could not afford it. In addition to raising awareness and funds for ALS care, LeSean is always ready to give a hug and a smile to people with ALS, like Craig Colby of Wilmington, Delaware, who met the running back after a practice session this summer. LeSean was inspired by Craig’s story, which you can read in this newsletter. Families like the Hildebrands are grateful for the Howard I. Abrams In-Home Care Program Learn more and sign up to be LeSean’s teammate at www.alsphiladelphia.org/fightalsbytheyard 1 - 8 7 7 - G E H R I G - 1 www.alsphiladelphia.org 7 patient profile CRAIG COLBY continued from cover Phillies with Craig and his wife Kristen to Craig going online and finding Kristen. Back on the other side of the country, Kristen was also busy with her own life changes. She was living in Delaware and working as a flight attendant, a job that had become more exhausting and stressful after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Getting back in touch with Craig was a spark that lifted her up just when she needed it most. “I had gone through a bad break up, 9/11 changed everything at work, and my grandmother had just passed away,” said Kristen. “Craig saved me. He made my life whole.” The relationship began with the two talking online and on the phone, sometimes for up to six hours in a day. Kristen’s flight attendant schedule was always changing, so the time difference was actually a benefit. After a few months, Craig decided to move to Delaware in February of 2003. He soon began working 8 at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant and quickly moved up to management. Kristen and Craig married in 2004. Life found a way to work out. Charlie Brown finally got the fairy tale ending with the Little Red Haired Girl. Of course, it wasn’t an ending. Life went on happily as the two grew together, got a dog together, and travelled the world together. Then came a new challenge Craig and Kristen would have to face, ALS. But, like everything else, they knew they would face it together. Craig’s ALS story began on his birthday in 2007. He had purchased a gym membership and, on his first day at the gym, a trainer helped him learn about the equipment. When the trainer told Craig to lift a weight over his head, he could not do it. It was a baffling sensation for a young man who had just finished a golf tournament and was in Craig Colby and friends otherwise good health. What follows next is a series of events that many ALS families will find familiar. There were months of tests, doctor visits and specialists, various diagnoses, and drug treatments, followed by uncertainty from top medical professionals. After all of the tests and confusion, it was Kristen who was the first to make a guess at her husband’s problems. “I had just read Tuesdays with Morrie,” said Kristen. “And I thought, what if it’s ALS? When we met with Dr. Leo McCluskey at Pennsylvania Hospital in 2008, I just knew what we would hear.” “Dr. McCluskey said, “Ok, what do you want to do?” We decided right away that we weren’t going to let ALS take us down. We just had too many plans.” Right away those plans included fighting ALS – together. At that first clinic Friends of Craigs do the Ice Bucket Challenge visit, they learned about the upcoming Walk to Defeat ALS® and within weeks they raised $9,000 for Colby’s Crew. That quick success energized them both. It was Craig and Kristen against the world. Thankfully, Craig and Kristen soon realized that they would not be in this fight alone. Following the Walk to Defeat ALS®, they attended the annual Hot Chocolate event where they met Wes Rose and Gary Temoyan who shared their ALS stories. Friends rallied to their side and The Texas Roadhouse restaurant also provided support for Craig to work as long as he physically could, which ended in August 2009. Those friends also were by the Colbys’ side when their house suddenly burned down on St. Patrick’s Day 2009. Craig knew just how to ease the tension when he turned to Kristen and over a dozen of their friends said, “Who brought the marshmallows?” “After that, I knew it would all be OK,” said Kristen. Since then, Kristen and Craig have defied the odds to make sure every day is better than OK. Once an excellent golfer, Craig is now in a power wheelchair and needs mechanical assistance to speak and breathe. Yes, just as they wouldn’t let a house fire burn the life they created together, the Colbys won’t let ALS beat them. In 2014, Craig and Kristen found new hope in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. They did the challenge multiple times, using the social media phenomenon to sell over 120 shirts for their Walk to Defeat ALS® team. The Challenge also gave them an opportunity to educate others about the disease, make new friends, comfort others, and direct people to services at The Greater Philadelphia Chapter. This year was made even more special when Craig surprised Kristen and they arranged to renew their wedding vows at Citizens Bank Park before the Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALS® on November 15. Every day this Charlie Brown and Little Red Haired Girl find new reasons to take on the world together. “Craig may have ALS, but he’s smarter than ever, funnier than ever, and is still remarkable to me,” beamed that red haired girl, Kristen. 1 - 8 7 7 - G E H R I G - 1 www.alsphiladelphia.org 9 PAST WALKS to Defeat ALS® Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALS® Presented by ACME Supermarkets and Pharmacies, BAYADA Home Health Care & Pride Mobility Products/Quantum Rehab Corp. Rehoboth Beach Walk to Defeat ALS® 9/13/2014 Walk Fast Facts Total Raised - $81,288 # of Walkers - 750 # of Teams - 35 TOP INDIVIDUALS: 1st Place: Kayla Wilson 2nd Place: Cindy Fluharty 3rd Place: Fay Shockley OTHER TOP FUNDRAISERS INCLUDED: Top Rookie Team: Fabulous Ellen TOP TEAMS ON WALK DAY: 1st Place: DeFeeting ALS for Pam 2nd Place: Gene’s Machine 3rd Place: Team Shockley Walk Fast Facts Total Raised - $236,074 # of Walkers - 1650 # of Teams - 100 TOP TEAMS ON WALK DAY: 1st Place: Donna’s Dugout 2nd Place: Steps 4 Sarah 3rd Place: Team Benjamin OTHER TOP FUNDRAISERS INCLUDED: Top Rookie Team: Team Benjamin Top Youth Fundraiser: Laura Shultz Top School Team: Lehigh Fights ALS TOP CORPORATE TEAMS: 1st Place: Samuel Adams PA Brewery TOP INDIVIDUALS: 1st Place: Judy Parsons 2nd Place: Donna and Paul Katcher 3rd Place: Gregory Bauer Top: Dan Lindenberger and Corporate Recruitment Chair Phil Clemens cut the ribbon Left: The ALS Avengers were just some of the superheroes at the Lehigh Valley Walk to Defeat ALS® 10 11/15/2014 Walk Fast Facts Total Raised - $730,554 # of Walkers - 7,000 # of Teams - 278 Bottom: Top Rookie Team Fabulous Ellen TOP TEAMS ON WALK DAY: 1st Place: Kirkin’ It 2nd Place: Marching for Mike 3rd Place: Absolutely Living Strong Top Youth Fundraiser: Connor Wilson Lehigh Valley Walk to Defeat ALS® 10/18/2014 Top: Bill O’Brien and Executive Director Jim Pinciotti with top fundraiser Kayla Wilson Ocean City Board...Walk to Defeat ALS® 9/20/2014 Walk Fast Facts Total Raised - $326,785 # of Walkers - 2000 # of Teams - 97 TOP INDIVIDUALS: 1st Place: Mary Beth Quinlan 2nd Place: Gail Costello 3rd Place: Doug Letterman TOP INDIVIDUALS: 1st Place: Jack Hess 2nd Place: Ryan & Kaitlin Kirk 3rd Place: Michael Honrychs OTHER TOP FUNDRAISERS INCLUDED: Top Rookie Team: We “Jet” for Doc H Top Youth Fundraiser: Kailea Heston TOP CORPORATE TEAMS: 1st Place: Team BAYADA 2nd Place: Team Tierney 3rd Place: Team ACME Members of Team Perry gather to Walk to Defeat ALS® at Hershey Medical Center Team Souf brought together a huge group of family and friends TOP TEAMS ON WALK DAY: 1st Place: Jo’s Rowdy Goudies 2nd Place: Joe U’s Crew 3rd Place: Rallying for Ron OTHER TOP FUNDRAISERS INCLUDED: Top Youth Fundraiser: Eden Gehring National Sponsors: BAYADA Home Health Care, Pride Mobility Products Corp., Quantum Rehab, Numotion, Permobil, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Men’s Senior Baseball League Top fundraiser Mary Beth Quinlan had a great time on the boardwalk. Top Corporate Team: Atlantic City Electric Presenting Sponsors: Certainteed, ShopRite and Their Customers, BAYADA Home Health Care, Pride Mobility, Quantum Rehab, ACME Supermarkets & Pharmacies Top Rookie Team: Team JShip WE THANK OUR WALK TO DEFEAT ALS® SPONSORS 2NB Bank Air Products Al and Kelly Slipakoff Bennett Automotive Group Brinker Capital Colligas Family Supermarkets Cravath, Sukine & Moore, LLP D & H Marketing Group Dirt Works, Inc. Fox Subacute Friends of Dustin Myers Hovus, Inc. Lehigh Valley Health Network Lehigh Valley IronPigs Majestic Athletic Mangar Medical Packaging McMahon Agency, Inc. MobilityWorks NASSM Samuel Adams The Martin Family Tierney Universal Supply Young, Conaway, Stargatt & Taylor LLP 1 - 8 7 7 - G E H R I G - 1 www.alsphiladelphia.org 11 PAST EVENTS Community Partner Event REPORT By Ashley Hendrix ALS Express THE ALS EXPRESS WEBSITE IS LIVE! Register now for May 30, 2015 www.als-express.org This year, our Community Partner Events have been better than ever, raising over $225,000. The Ice Bucket Challenge has not only brought awareness to our chapter, but it has also brought a lot of support and involvement from different communities. The Ice Bucket Challenge added a variety of new and creative events to our Community Partner Calendar, such as a donut dash, a backyard homerun derby, golf outings, food trucks, and bake sales have all contributed to raising funds for our chapter. We love the creativity and energy of all of our Community Partner Events, from those that just began to the events that have made a difference over many years. It’s wonderful to see year after year how these events have grown and how much they have cumulatively raised for research and our Patient Care Services. Every dollar is a step in the right direction to ending this awful disease and these events are a great way to make that happen. Barry’s Bikers have been a fixture at ALS Express for nearly a decade. Roger Kirk ALS ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING HOSTED BY GREG GROSS Shortly after the date was set and word got out we knew, “we were going to need a bigger boat!” The Roger Kirk ALS Association Golf Outing Hosted by Greg Gross blew the doors off welcoming 275 golfers, forcing us to find another course! Old York Road Country Club and Limekiln Golf Course teamed up and made for a terrific day of golf, friendship and laughs. The day started at 6:30 AM and did not conclude until after 7pm. The event raised over $125,000 for the Association! It was a memorable day for everyone involved. Special thank you to the Golf Committee, the Kirk Family, our generous sponsors and Greg Gross for putting your heart and soul into this special event! Want to secure your spot for next year? Save the Date September 28, 2015… Top: Roger Kirk with Greg Gross Bottom: The Kirk family was on hand to thank golfers and help coordinate the event. “Thanks to all of the incredible sponsors who stepped up for the golf outing.” 12 If you’re interested in holding an event or fundraiser, contact me at Ashley@alsphiladelphia.org and see how I can help you kick off your ALS event. SOME EVENTS THAT STAND OUT THIS YEAR INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1st Annual Ken Dawson Memorial Golf Outing 1st Annual Lancaster Bike In 2014 HR Derby to Defeat ALS 23rd Annual Billy Lake Memorial Basketball Marathon 2nd Annual Lou’s Grand Slam 5K Run/walk 3rd Annual Ray Matthews Memorial ALS Bike Tour ALS Awareness Night at the Flyers ALS Benefit Polka Dance ALS Charity Crop ALS Fundraiser - Braveheart Highland Pub Annual Pig Roast to Benefit ALS AristaCare at Meadow Springs Fundraiser Bartone Golf Outing/Dinner Dance BAYADA Food Truck Fundraiser Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends Burlington Charity Day Car wash & bake sale to help Pat fight ALS Christmas Shoppe to Defeat ALS Community Days 2014 at the Bon-Ton Corazon - Photo Marquelia CPK FUNdraiser Dan Schantz Greenhouse Fundraiser • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Denim Day Donna’s Dugout Pitch to the Katcher Softball Event Donut Dash Brielle Duffers Tavern fundraiser Fall Fling Festival - Punkin Chunkin Ferguson Enterprises Annual Trade Show Houlihan’s ALS Fundraiser Legs 4 Greg Walk for Greg Telthorster LoL Dunks ALS Louie’s Dine Out week Mackler 5K Macungie Vendor bingo Odell Studner Golf Outing Pals of Jimmy Duffy Annual Outing Rockhill Gives Back! Community Ice Bucket Challenge Ryan’s Pub Golf Outing Shippensburg Univer. Men’s Soccer team ALS night Shop for a Cause Splash Zone Waterpark Ice bucket challenge Sweet Taco/Walk to Defeat ALS fundraiser Towers Club Golf Outing/Supporting ALS UHS ALS Fundraiser 1 - 8 7 7 - G E H R I G - 1 www.alsphiladelphia.org 13 in memoriam The Mitsdarfer family had a great time at the 2014 Holiday Party THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! PATIENT AND FAMILY HOLIDAY PARTY Mike Farris, our November 2014 Volunteer of the Month, helps out at many Walk to Defeat ALS® events and is a regular Community Ambassador. To find out how you can be a volunteer to help at events, in our office, or to spread awareness to the general public, call us at 215-643-5434 or email volunteer@alsphiladelphia.org The 2014 ALS Patient and Family Holiday Party at the Radisson at Valley Forge was one of the most fun events of the year for families from across our region. From amazing dancing, great food, presents for kids, a visit from our friend the Phillie Phanatic and, of course, terrific music from Hot Hot Hot Entertainment, everybody left the day with a lot of smiles. Thank you to all who made the party one to remember! resource groups This is a general listing of our Resource Groups. We warmly invite people with ALS, and their families and friends, to attend. Please call the contact person for each group to confirm actual dates, or you may request to be placed on the Resource Group mailing list. This mailing is distributed quarterly and lists upcoming dates, times, and other important information. Also, be sure to RSVP to the facilitator, if specifically requested. Ambler Support Group ALS Chapter Office, Springhouse Corporate Center Ambler, PA Info: Anne Cooney, MSW, LSW 215-664-4177 anne@alsphiladelphia.org Bereavement - Ambler, PA A five-session series is available for people who have lost someone to ALS in the past 2 years. Info. & RSVP: Jennifer Klapper 215-726-8724 Caregivers & Family Members - Ambler, PA Bi-monthly Info. & RSVP: Karen Dawson-Haines 215-487-4519 Caregivers & Family Members - Red Bank, NJ Info. & RSVP: Patricia Schaeffer, RN 732-239-4724 or Kathy Valentino, LCSW 609-433-6333 14 Cherry Hill Support Group Cherry Hill, NJ Info & RSVP: Jennifer Klapper, RN, MSN, CNS-BC 215-726-8724 Delaware - Wilmington, DE Info.: Wendy Strowhouer, RN 302-547-8482 Delaware Resource Group Silverside Church Wilmington, DE Info: Wendy Strowhouer, RN 302-547-8482 Harrisburg - Hershey, PA Info. & RSVP: Judy Lyter, LPC, RN 717-566-1700 Lehigh Valley - Allentown, PA Info.: Wendy Barnes, MSW, LSW 610-797-2102 Lancaster, PA Info. & RSVP: Joan Groh 717-278-8866 jgroh3@comcast.net Monmouth/ Ocean CountyRed Bank, NJ Info.: Patricia Schaeffer, RN 732-239-4724 or Kathy Valentino, LCSW 609-433-6333 Northeast PA Resource Group Bloomsburg, PA Wilkes-Barre, PA Info.: Jennifer LaRegina, RN 570-436-4529 Wilkes Barre, PA Support Group Info: Jennifer LaRegina, RN 570-436-4529 Please go to www.alsphiladelphia.org - Patient and Family Services for additional information about all Resource Groups. Earl Artle Bernadette Balf William Barton Paula Barvin Richer Batista Ruby Becker Joshua Beitz Raymond Berry Victor Bini Michael Bloom Gwendolyn Borgese Irene Borick Barbara Brand Constance Brocavich Carrie Burk Frank Camuso Shirley Cardona Lura Catlin Anne Celotto Phyllis Chedester Joseph Dempster Joyce Derstine Charles Dietzler Joseph Donovan Doris Durner Todd Emig Sidney Faulkner Spero Ferentinos Edith Ford Thomas Fulmer Sharon Gallo Kathryn Giardina Martha Gibbs Lesley Gladney Jean Graham JoAnn Hall Gerhard Hammer Helenann Hatfield Charles Heitzman Patricia Hooks Ella Mae Hoover David Huey David Ihde Michael Kessler Jeannette Kilcourse John Kinyon William Klopp Lelarathne Konara James Krieger Miguel Lacasa Mildred Lefever Valerie Levinson-Kramer Ruth Mankin Dolores Martin Van Masciantonio Helen Mayer Rose Mary McCarthy John McNally David Meyers Sharon Miller Barbara Morgan Mary Narehood David Neaves Pauline Neeser John Nichols Martin Nickel Betty Noble Cynthia Nolan Jo Anne Outten John Pace Daniel Pellegrino Thomas Picarelli Mary Pikul Charles Polk Kenneth Prager Usha Ramnit Laura Randar Stewart Resnick Musser Robert Robert Roddy Christine Roski Peg Sabol James Sagnelli Roy Schaefer Jeff Seidel Harold Smith Paul Snyder Kenneth Sparks Samuel Torsky John Vendetti Mary Wallace Clark Whiteleather Brian Whitney Edward Williams Wanda Wilson Barbara Wiseman Benjamin Woodland Mary Jane Woods professional staff EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James V. Pinciotti DIRECTOR OF PATIENT SERVICES Brenda Edelman, LCSW, BCD AND PUBLIC POLICY Tony Heyl MENTAL HEALTH NURSE Jennifer Klapper, RN, MSN, CNS-BC SOCIAL WORKERS Wendy Barnes, MSW, LSW Anne Cooney, MSW, LSW Melissa Coll, MSW Maryann Jones, LSW, MSW Mary Beth Tomczak, BSW CONTROLLER Andrew G. Lash, CPA CLINICAL MANAGER, ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Alisa Brownlee, ATP CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Jeff Cline NURSE COUNSELOR Judy Lyter, RN, MS, LPC EVENTS MANAGER Julie Morrison McKeever ANNUAL GIVING MANAGER Donna Cleary STAFF NURSE Maureen Reid, RN, BSN EVENTS SPECIALIST Ashley Hendrix DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Joan Borowsky REGIONAL NURSE COORDINATORS Gail Houseman, RN, APRN, MSN Jennifer LaRegina, RN Sue Walsh, RN, MSN, CS IT MANAGER Heather Pecharo DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS EVENTS DIRECTOR Allison Walker DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR Amanda Laputka DATABASE COORDINATOR Mary Noel ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Evelyn Thoman Patient Services Assistant Maryann Vagnoni Executive Assistant TRANSPORTATION VAN DRIVERS John Conner Thomas R. Mitchell OFFICE MANAGER Erin Farrell 1 - 8 7 7 - G E H R I G - 1 www.alsphiladelphia.org 15 The ALS Association (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Greater Philadelphia Chapter 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260 Ambler, PA 19002-2755 phone 215-643-5434 toll-free 1-877-GEHRIG-1 www.alsphiladelphia.org NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 215 WEST CHESTER, PA 19382 Our mission is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. UPCOMING EVENTS 4 ON 4 FOR A CURE 3/3 – 3/7 PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA LAKEWOOD WALK TO DEFEAT ALS® 5/2 LAKEWOOD, NJ DONN’S DASH 5K AND FUN RUN 6/6 WILKES-BARRE, PA HOT CHOCOLATE 3/12 ADVENTURE AQUARIUM CAMDEN, NJ 18TH ANNUAL JEFF ARMSTRONG MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING 6/17 WEST CHESTER, PA WILKES-BARRE PENGUINS ALS NIGHT 3/15 SCRANTON, PA BILLY LAKE BEEF AND BEER 3/27 NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA NIGHT OF HOPE 2 3/28 MILFORD, DE CHILLY CHILI FOR PAULA 3/28 WEST CHESTER, PA ONE PARTICULAR PHLOCKING 4/17-4/19 MOUNT LAUREL, NJ HERSHEY WALK TO DEFEAT ALS® 6/6 HERSHEY, PA BLOOMSBURG, JORGE’S WALK TO DEFEAT ALS® 5/16 BLOOMSBURG, PA ALS EXPRESS 5/30 WILDWOOD, NJ PHILLIES PHESTIVAL 6/1 PHILADELPHIA, PA ALS AWARENESS NIGHT WITH LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS 7/31 ALLENTOWN, PA REHOBOTH BEACH WALK TO DEFEAT ALS® 9/12 REHOBOTH BEACH, PA OCEAN CITY BOARD…WALK TO DEFEAT ALS® 9/19 OCEAN CITY, NJ ALS ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING 9/28 AMBLER, PA LEHIGH VALLEY WALK TO DEFEAT ALS® 10/17 ALLENTOWN, PA FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL OUR EVENTS, VISIT www.ALSPHILADELPHIA.org Follow The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/alsphiladelphia and on Twitter @alsphiladelphia