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Greetings!
As a loyal supporter of the Rocky Mountain Chapter, you know how crucial it is for us to provide excellent quality-of-life-guidance and equipment to patients, caregivers and families - real help for real people living with Lou Gehrig's Disease right here in our area! We won't let the economy stop us from serving our friends or from helping fund research for causes, treatments and a cure for ALS.
With support from friends like you, we will be able to continue our fight, despite what the economy has in mind.
Due to your determination to find a cure through your partnership with The ALS Association-Rocky Mountain Chapter, we have made significant progress for persons with ALS, their families and caregivers. Here are some of the major accomplishments we achieved in 2009:
- Discovery of ALS6 (Fused in Sarcoma), a new gene responsible for about 5% of all inherited ALS cases.
- The Senate Appropriations Committee passed legislation to provide $7 million for the National ALS Registry, a 40% increase over last year. Congress is expected to take final action on the bill before the end of the year.
Direct services given to nearly 200 people diagnosed with ALS in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
- Provided over 800 hours each month of delivering information, resource referrals and support by a professional staff for Those Living With ALS in our Chapter territory.
- Delivered access to over 60 support group meetings throughout the year.
As we head into 2010, we face tremendous opportunities − and have significant needs − to maintain this momentum. Today, I hope you will join us in our ongoing commitment of advancing the mission of The ALS Association - to create a world without ALS while caring for those living with this devastating disease by making a year-end tax deductible donation to The ALS Association-Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Thank you again for playing such an important role in 2009. We wish you and your family a joyous holiday and here's to another year filled with success and progress.
Sincerely,
Pam Rush-Negri
Executive Director
The ALS Association - Rocky Mountain Chapter
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Research Update
Dr. Carmel Armon, an ALS researcher and professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, has completed an evidence-based study in which he establishes a link between smoking and ALS. Previous studies had only shown that smoking had a probable connection versus being an established risk factor. His findings are the first to show a link between the environment and the occurrence of sporadic ALS. According to Dr. Armon, since researchers have a good understanding of how smoking causes other diseases in the body, the hope is that this link can also help lend insight into the disease processes that initiate ALS. Click Here to Read More
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 How You Can Help
Give a Gift of Stock and Receive a Tax Break
Give appreciated securities to The ALS Association-Rocky Mountain Chapter and you shall receive − a tax break.
Whether it's 100 shares of blue-chip stock or a new high-tech gadget, the IRS allows you to deduct these gifts as a charitable donation.
Some of the benefits of giving stock:
You receive gift credit and an immediate income tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer, no matter what you originally paid for them.
You pay no capital gains tax on the securities you donate.
You can direct your gift to a specific fund or purpose. You can have the satisfaction of making a significant gift now or funding a life-income gift that benefits The ALS Association-Rocky Mountain Chapter later.
Click here to learn about more ways to give. |
Medicare Rx Drug Benefit Open Enrollment
November 15 - December 31, 2009
The ALS Association encourages people with ALS who are enrolled in Medicare to take advantage of the annual Open Enrollment period to make sure they have the best coverage available to meet their prescription drug and health care needs in 2010. The open enrollment period takes place November 15 to December 31, 2009.
The ALS Association once again is pleased to provide a Guide to assist PALS, families and ALS Association Chapters as they review options for 2010. Click to Read More.
2010 Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference
Please plan to join us in Washington, DC on May 9-11, 2010 as we host The ALS Association's National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference. The Conference features educational breakout sessions and the latest updates on the roadmap to a cure. Most importantly, the conference gives people with ALS and their families the opportunity to tell their story directly to Members of Congress, putting a face on this disease and increasing support for our cause. Click Here to Register for the Conference.
In the meantime, please make sure you are signed-up to be an ALS Advocate. As an Advocate, you will receive the latest news from Washington, and learn how you can help us continue to provide the roadmap that leads to a treatment and cure.  |
 We Have Moved!
The Rocky Mountain Chapter Has a New Home
Have you heard? The economy has had a major impact on all of our lives!
In an effort to reduce expenses and ensure we are able to continue providing valuable patient services, we are proud to announce that The ALS Association - Rocky Mountain Chapter has moved to a new office space! Our telephone and fax numbers remain the same, but please make note of our New Address -
The ALS Association - Rocky Mountain Chapter
7403 Church Ranch Blvd
Suite 109
Westminster, CO 80021-5490
Telephone - (303) 832-2322
Fax - (303) 832-3365 |
 Volunteer Opportunities
As an organization, we depend on the
commitment of our volunteers. Are you
interested in lending a hand, an idea, or
support?
We have several events coming up,
and planning for them is already underway.
Current volunteer opportunities include:
- Help planning for 2010 Walk and Gala Dinner& Auction
- Office Help
- Equipment Delivery
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Janet Kawamura at (303) 832-2322 or Janet@alsaco.org. |
 Patient and Caregiver Information The ALS Association - Rocky Mountain Chapter has a variety of resources to help improve your quality of life. Please learn more about our support groups and caregiver tips to enhance your ability to deal with the physical and emotional issues associated with ALS. |
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There's Still Time to Walk the Extra Mile! To date, the Walks have raised over 90% of our 2009 Goal of $300,000 by continuing to collect any promises of support, outstanding pledges or corporate matching dollars. Donations for the Walk will be acccepted through the end of the year. Tell everyone you know and help us reach our goal!
We send a special thank you to our Corporate Sponsors, Volunteers and Generous Donors. We also want to thank our Patients, their Families and Friends for their courage, support and motivation as we work together at finding a cure for and improving the lives of those living with ALS. | |
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We'll Still Accept Your Clunker!!
Donate Your Car and Fight ALS!
It is a great way to help those living with ALS, save yourself the hassle of selling your car, and receive a charitable tax
deduction!
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Grief Support Group 
We are proud to announce a
New Support Group for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
3rd Wednesday of the Month
6-7:30pm
The ALS Association Office
7403 Church Ranch Blvd.
#109
Westminster, CO 80021
Led by Leigh Cassidy, MA, PhD, Hospice Counselor and Suzanne Schrag
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