Mission: The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter provides a broad range of free services to Connecticut patients with a diagnosis of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Our mission is to provide compassionate care and support services for local ALS patients and families, and to lead the fight to cure and treat the disease through global, cutting-edge research.
Services include loaning essential medical equipment; home visits; support groups for patients, families and caregivers; licensed clinical social worker; paying for respite care and patient transportation to medical appointments in specially equipped vehicles; in-service training for medical professionals; information through print materials, video and website.
The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter is a member of Connecticut Association of Nonprofits.
Background: The Connecticut ALS association is one of 41 chapters in a national organization dedicated solely to serving ALS patients and families. The Connecticut chapter was founded in 1988 by a dedicated group of volunteers who shared a commitment to help those living with ALS. The chapter hired its first paid staff in 1998; today, a modest-size staff serves an average of 170 patients and families annually.
Major Fundraiser: Our signature fundraising effort is the annual Walk To Defeat ALS held every fall in New Britain, New Haven and Westport. More than 1,300 people convene annually to celebrate life and pay tribute to the courage and grace of individuals living with the disease and those who have lost their fight. We also receive financial support from individuals, community groups, foundations and local businesses.
New this year is Step Up to the Plate, a sports-themed event slated for May 25 in New Haven, featuring food, drinks, silent auction and raffle.
Volunteers: We welcome volunteers who share our commitment to helping make life just a bit easier for ALS patients and families. We are particularly in need of adults to assist with events — registering participants and obtaining in-kind donations — as well as general administrative work in our Milford office throughout the year.
Leadership:
John Rather, board president;
Lauren D’Alessandro, executive director;
Joan Argento, coordinator of patient services;
Jen Frey Thomas, events coordinator.
Contact Information:
ALS Association Connecticut Chapter
4 Oxford Road Milford, CT 06460
203-874-5050
www.alsact.org
Â
Lauren D’Alessandro is executive director of the ALS Association Connecticut Chapter.
