About Us
The Les Turner ALS Foundation was founded in 1977 by the family and friends of Les Turner, who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 36. At the time, information and research on ALS was almost non-existent, leaving families without guidance, support, or hope in the face of this terrible disease. They set out to raise funds to provide vital research and resources to people living with ALS and their families, which led to the establishment of one of the nation's first ALS research laboratories at Northwestern Medicine in 1979.
Today, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is the Midwest's leading ALS organization. Our support services team helps people living with ALS receive the best quality of care and access to the most promising therapies, and our online support groups, educational resources, and webinars reach an international audience. Our Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine is led by the most well-respected scientists and clinicians in the field, advancing research into causes, treatment, and cures for the disease.
Our Mission
To provide the most comprehensive care and support to people living with ALS and their families so they can confidently navigate the disease, and advance scientific research for the prevention, treatment and cure of ALS.
Our Vision
A world free of ALS.
Our Strategic Priorities
Fund ALS Research
We are funding groundbreaking ALS research initiatives at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine. By investing in pioneering studies and clinical research, we aim to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments and ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease. Our commitment to funding ALS research is unwavering, as we believe that scientific breakthroughs are the key to a future free from ALS.
Enhance Quality of Life for People Living with ALS
We are improving the lives of people living with ALS, their families, friends, and loved ones. Our strategic plan prioritizes initiatives that provide comprehensive support, resources, and services to enhance the quality of life for people living with ALS. This includes offering multidisciplinary care, assistive technology, and emotional support, ensuring that those facing ALS lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by this devastating disease.
Increase Our Leadership in the ALS Community
We are expanding our influence and leadership within the ALS community. This priority involves strengthening partnerships, fostering collaboration, and advocating for policies that benefit people living with ALS. By uniting stakeholders, raising awareness, and driving change, we aim to lead the way in shaping a brighter future for those impacted by ALS.
Read more about our strategic priorities for 2024 - 2026.
Les Turner
Opening of the Les Turner ALS Research Laboratory, 1979
Share this Page
The Les Turner ALS Foundation is founded by Les Turner and a small group of his friends and family in the Turners' living room.
Today, the Foundation is recognized as one of the nation's leading ALS organizations.
The first ALS-focused research laboratory at Northwestern University Medical School is dedicated, under the direction of Dr. Burk Jubelt.
Today, the Les Turner ALS Center unites over 75 researchers and clinicians focused on research and clinical care.
The Lois Insolia ALS Clinic opens at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, one of the first in the nation and the only in Chicago.
Today, the Clinic is recognized as one of the nation's best multidisciplinary centers for people living with ALS.
Dr. Teepu Siddique co-discovers the SOD1 gene, the first genetic mutation linked to cause ALS, followed by discovery of the FUS gene in 2009.
The Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine continues to lead research to better understand the role of upper motor neurons, stem cells and genetics, helping to pave the way for future targeted therapies for ALS.
The Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine is formally established, bringing together over 75 researchers and clinicians under one umbrella to work on ALS.
Today, the Center is one of the premier ALS Centers in the country under the direction of Dr. Robert Kalb, the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Professor of Neurology.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge sweeps the nation, increasing public perception of ALS and raising hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide.
Today, increased public support is leading to greater advancements in ALS care and research.
Augmenting 30 years of unparalleled support services, the Les Turner ALS Foundation begins co-producing several best-in-class educational resources alongside people living with ALS.
Today, these include award-winning My ALS Decision Tool™ modules on breathing, nutrition and genetic testing for people with ALS, ALS information guides, and monthly ALS Learning series webinars.
Thanks to clinical trial participants and under the direction of Dr. Senda Ajroud-Driss, the ALS clinical research program at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine grows to over 19 clinical trials and studies.
These trials and studies contribute to FDA approval of three new therapeutic drugs to slow the progression of ALS in 2022-23 alone — with many more to come.
