A Thanksgiving Wish
ALS WORLDWIDE, launched in the fall of 2008, has worked hard to support ALS patients and their families. Our website has become an integral force in connecting patients and their families with others, providing support, exploring new research, advocating politically, providing personal attention and most of all, keeping hope alive. Building our base of support within the general community is a major goal.
Awareness is key if ALS is to become a manageable disease of the past, like polio or AIDS. We hope you will DONATE to ALSWW as you decide upon your charitable contributions for December 2009. Thank you for your continuing generosity and support as we continue our aggressive efforts on behalf of those with ALS.
We've begun a major outreach effort to educate, inform and encourage public support. On October 27, Barbara delivered a presentation in Madison, Wisconsin to Vantage, a group focused on social responsibility and community awareness. Those in the audience learned about ALS, Ben Byer, the award winning film "Indestructible" and how families react to the pressures of serious disease. They left with a clear grasp of the realities and devastation ALS causes and actions they can take to help find a cure. The speech titled "The Legacy" can be found In The Spotlight.
Tecnologico de Monterrey, in Monterrey, Mexico, is presently the best adult stem cell opportunity we know of for those with ALS. As of this date, more than 50 ALS research subjects have participated in Phases 1, 2 and 3 of the clinical test study. We continue to be impressed by this minimally invasive procedure coupled with the excellent level of care given those patients who have received this protocol. Supported by concrete scientific research support, objective evidence of stabilization and some improvement, rigorous safety standards and critical oversight, the Adult Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Procedure has our full endorsement. In-depth information can be found at Adult Stem Cell Procedure. We welcome and even assist other stem cell therapies now on the horizon and hope their clinical test studies will be implemented soon.
The battle to gain access to Iplex continues. Daniel J. Popeo, Chairman and General Counsel of the Washington Legal Foundation, has written an excellent summation of this ongoing issue and its ramifications. As our evaluation of the very few participating ALS patients in the Iplex study nears completion, it might be helpful to reread the tenets of this effort at The Examiner as, once again, we seek access to Iplex for all ALS patients.
Difficulties with sleep issues often plague ALS patients, but the medication chosen for this difficulty is very important. Stronger sleep aids are neuronal suppressants, undesirable at best, dangerous at worst. An in-depth review can be found under Self Help.
We and all at ALS WORLDWIDE wish you, your family and friends a very enjoyable and peaceful Thanksgiving.
Barb and Steve Byer
November 22, 2009
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