Support ALS Research

This past St. Patrick’s Day, we hit the 3-year milestone of Lori’s ALS diagnosis. Progression has been continuous, as expected with this dreadful disease. While there remains no cure, both primary doctors for Lori’s care (Dr. Stephen Kolb at The Ohio State University and Dr. Merit Cudkowicz at Massachusetts General Hospital) believe that there will be one day. It is their research efforts that have the potential. And it is targeted philanthropy that can directly accelerate progress.

To those who donated last year: your donation allowed Dr. Kolb to map presymptomatic gene expression profiles in motor neurons in an animal model of motor neuron degeneration. Today, we kick off phase 2 of our efforts to support additional targeted research in Dr. Kolb’s lab. This new research is novel and potentially a game changer in the fight to stop ALS.    

In a recent sit down with Dr. Kolb at his lab, he shared a potentially breakthrough unfunded laboratory experiment using a unique piglet model of motor neuron degeneration. This work aims to identify gene expression changes in motor neurons before degeneration occurs, a critical but poorly understood phase of ALS. The experiment uses advanced spatial transcriptomics techniques (ie. measurement of expression levels of genes) to pinpoint early molecular signals that could become future therapeutic targets. A philanthropic contribution of approximately $15,000 would enable this experiment to move forward by generating essential preliminary data. These results would significantly strengthen future applications for larger NIH grants, helping sustain and expand ALS research during a period of uncertain federal funding.

With your help, research could begin shortly after funds are received, with meaningful progress within 6 months and full results expected within a year. Every dollar donated goes directly to Dr. Kolb’s efforts. No monies are taken by credit card fees or by the University. Direct dollars having direct impact.

Early-stage support can play a decisive role in advancing ALS research and bridging critical funding gaps. Lori fights each day with grace and strength. Regardless of outcome, we will make a difference for others. Thanks for being there with us on this journey.