National Family Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month.
For those of us in the ALS community, we know just how vital our caregivers are. The support caregivers provide is priceless and, though it comes with much love and many moments of joy, sometimes, it can be really hard.
Since 2012, thanks to a generous donor and former caregiver, the Les Turner ALS Foundation has offered respite grants designed to provide short-term relief for families living with ALS. Respite care provides the primary caregiver with time away from their care duties and helps alleviate caregiver burnout.
To all of the caregivers who are part of our Les Turner ALS family, know that although November is only 30 days long, we cherish you each and every day of the year. Tell us what our Les Turner ALS family caregivers mean to you by commenting or sending us a message on Facebook>>
New Study Evaluates Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on ALS
Colin Franz, MD, PhD, of the Kiskinis lab at our Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine recently published a review article exploring the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ALS.
“Several recent clinical studies have found an association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ALS,” explains Dr. Franz, “but there is still not an expert consensus on whether TBI is a risk factor for developing ALS.”
In their recent publication, Dr. Franz and his co-authors propose that TBI may, in fact, contribute to an ALS diagnosis in a subset of patients. Continue to learn more about Dr. Franz’s latest findings>>
Supporting Our Veterans
ALS is called a rare disease. But for reasons yet unknown, veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS.
That’s why we’re so grateful to work with organizations like the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) to offer additional support to our veterans living with ALS.
The PVA works in coordination with our Support Services Team, making sure our veterans living with ALS receive government benefits such as disability and caregiver compensation, grants for home modifications, medications, supplies, home health care and equipment.
Pictured here is Robert Statam, one of our partners at the PVA who does so much to support our veteran families. Thank you to Robert and the PVA for all you do. But most of all, thank you to our brave veterans for your service! In honor of Veteran’s Day on November 11, learn more about the extraordinary work of the Paralyzed Veterans of America>>
