In honor of #throwbackthursday we've got this lovely 2001 Mashpee Enterprise article written by then reporter Michael Bailey. This article describes the origin of our Foundation and the two women who dedicated their lives to honoring their loved ones lost too soon to A.L.S./Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Donna Jordan lost her brother, Cliff Jordan, Jr., and Mary Ann (Sciaba) Singersen lost her father, Edward J. Sciaba, Sr. both in 1998.
As of this month, our Foundation is 15 years old and we are continuing to grow. We recently moved our offices to a larger space (watch for more information on our upcoming support group).
We have evolved into the only New England area nonprofit dedicated to putting A.L.S. patients and their immediate emotional and financial needs first. We also raise and donate funds dedicated to research efforts.
Our proudest accomplishment was the addition of Patient Services Coordinator Debbie Bell
five years ago. Debbie is a warm and caring liason for the Foundation and specializes in home visits and ensuring our patients get the attention and help that they so desperately need. We are searching for funding to add another Patient Services Coordinator to help Debbie with her growing caseload and hope to have that position filled in the next few months.
Currently we help patients and their families all over New England with our in-house patient programs.
The A. George Kerr Patient Fund
Designed to assist our patients with the unique financial needs caused by living with A.L.S.
The Heath Millward Vacation Fund
Provides patients and their families with vacations or family reunions that will allow them to celebrate their lives together.
The Children's Program
Tailored to meet the needs of children impacted by this disease by providing financial assistance for expenses such as the holidays, back to school shopping and summer camp.
The Jan Ferrara "Get Away for a Day Fund"
Provides funds for individuals or groups of patients or caregivers to enjoy an outing of their choosing.
The Respite Care Grant Program
Provides assistance for respite care to patient caregivers. These grants will allow the caregiver a break from the rigors of their responsibility.
A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation, Inc., Scholarship
Offsets the financial strain of a college education for a child of an A.L.S. patient.
The Bobby Murray Communication Equipment Fund
Provides support towards medical and communication devices.
If you or anyone you know, lives in New England and is affected by ALS please reach out to us, we are here to help. Visit alsfamily.org, call 508.759.9696 or email us at alsfamily@aol.com for more information!
