February 2026 Foundation eNews - Les Turner ALS Foundation

Honoring Dr. John Coleman III at the Hope Through Caring Gala

At this year’s Hope Through Caring Gala, we’re proud to honor John M. Coleman III, MD with the Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award. Dr. Coleman is a distinguished pulmonary and critical care specialist at the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine. Raised on Chicago’s South Side, Dr. Coleman was inspired by his grandfather, Dr. John “Jack” Coleman, and the compassion he brought to every patient. That same commitment continues to guide Dr. Coleman’s approach to ALS care—treating every person like family.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Coleman has been a dedicated leader with the Les Turner ALS Foundation, serving on our board and chairing the Support Services Committee.

Join us at the Hope Through Caring Gala to celebrate Dr. Coleman and support families living with ALS. Secure your tickets here.

We are thrilled to share that on Feb. 3, 2026, Congress approved a record-breaking $315 million in federal funding for ALS research. This landmark achievement represents the highest level of funding ever and was made possible by the collective voices of our dedicated family.

From advocates and families to our expert researchers at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine, your tenacity has driven real change. These funds will accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into life-enhancing treatments and move us closer to a world free of ALS.

Click the link to read our latest blog post for a full breakdown of the 2026 allocations and learn how you can join our advocacy efforts for the future.

Explore Clinical Trials & ALS Research Opportunities

Looking for ways to get involved in ALS research—or learn what studies may be available to you or a loved one? The Les Turner ALS Foundation’s Clinical Trials & Studies page is a helpful starting point for exploring current opportunities and understanding what participation may involve.

Whether you’re living with ALS, supporting a family member, or simply want to stay informed, this resource outlines research studies and clinical trials connected to the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine and other partners working to advance new treatments. You’ll also find guidance on questions to ask, what to expect, and how research participation can help move the field forward for the entire ALS community.

Visit our Clinical Trials & Studies page to explore what’s happening now and how to take the next step.

Join us for our February ALS Learning Series webinar. This session will explore hospice care and how it can support people living with ALS and their loved ones throughout the disease journey.

We’ll cover what hospice care is, when it may be the right time to consider it, and how it can support comfort, quality of life, and emotional well-being. The session will also address common misconceptions and offer guidance on how to begin these important conversations. Time will be reserved for questions.

Our speaker, Katie Lord, RN, BSN, is the Education Coordinator at the Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (ILHPCO) and brings extensive experience as a hospice nurse, educator, and leader in end-of-life care.

This webinar is offered at no cost to the ALS community. Thank you to the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America for sponsoring. Register here.

Discovering How Motor Neurons Break Down in ALS

Inside every motor neuron are tiny structures called microtubules—cell “tracks” that help transport essential materials needed for healthy nerve function. Studies have shown that in people with ALS, these microtubules can become disrupted, but the reason why has remained unclear.

Now, researchers at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine have uncovered a key clue. In research funded by the Les Turner ALS Foundation, Vladimir Gelfand, PhD, and graduate student Sun Kim found that a mutation in a protein called Ataxin-2 (ATXN2) can destabilize microtubules and interfere with neuron growth. The findings may help guide future research toward treatments that protect motor neurons.

Click the link to read the full story on our website.

In Our Thoughts

We offer our sincere condolences to all those who have lost a loved one to ALS. Today, and every day, we honor and remember them.

Sandy Ernst
Michael Krezinksi
Diane Rutledge

We invite you to share a tribute—whether a story, memory, or photo— to our Celebration of Life memorial wall, keeping the legacy of your loved one alive and reminding others they are never forgotten.

Support ALS Care and Research

The Les Turner ALS Foundation exists to care for those affected by the disease, answer their questions, support them and their loved ones, and provide hope through scientific research at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine.

Please make a gift so we can continue to deliver that care and support. Together, we will create a world free of ALS.