Les Turner ALS Foundation

History and Mission

The story of the Les Turner ALS Foundation begins with one man’s ALS diagnosis in 1976. Les Turner, a Chicago area businessman, husband and father, was frustrated by the lack of local resources available to manage the devastating effects of his diagnosis. His family and friends supported his desire to provide support to others affected by the disease with the resources and hope for a cure unavailable to him. In doing so, they inspired his legacy.

The mission of the Les Turner ALS Foundation is to:

• Advance scientific research into the causes, treatments and prevention of ALS
• Provide exceptional clinical care and support services to people living with ALS, their families and caregivers
• Increase awareness and education of ALS

Les Turner ALS Foundation is founded by Les Turner and a small group of his friends and family in the Turner’s living room. Today, the Foundation is recognized as one of the nation’s oldest, independent ALS organizations.

First Les Turner ALS Research Laboratory opens, providing hope for a future without ALS to patients nationwide. Today, the Foundation funds three dedicated ALS laboratories at Northwestern Medicine.

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 ALS patients.

Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine forms, enhancing collaboration between the three ALS research laboratories and the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic. Today, the Center is one of the premier ALS Centers in the country. 

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 patient care and research.