Building community, creating impact
At this year’s Hope Through Caring Gala, we recognize Brian Davis and Katy McNeil, whose generosity and dedication have strengthened the ALS community in lasting ways.
When Brian was diagnosed with ALS on his 36th birthday in 2022, he and Katy didn’t retreat—they rallied their friends, colleagues, and family to support the fight against ALS. They raised awareness, participated in clinical trials, and helped fund research aimed at making ALS a manageable disease rather than a terminal one.
From their leadership in the Young ProfessionALS Board to organizing Walk for Life teams and supporting others facing ALS, they built a community of action and hope. “Whenever we can, we tell people about the help that Les Turner has given us,” Katy once said. “It’s important to us to give back to the community in any way we can.”
Join us on Saturday, April 5, as we celebrate their impact and generosity.
Get your NCAA March madness bracket now!
March Madness is just around the corner, which means it’s time to test your bracket skills, compete for cash prizes, and support ALS care and research in the Young ProfessionALS NCAA Bracket Challenge for Charity!
You can purchase up to six brackets—a maximum of three for the men’s tournament and three for the women’s tournament. Once registered, you’ll receive an invitation to join the Les Turner ALS Foundation group on CBS Sports.
Brackets go live on Selection Sunday, March 16, and must be finalized before the first round begins—March 20 for men’s and March 21 for women’s.
Big stakes, big impact: The top winners will take home prizes, including $500 for first place in both the men’s and women’s brackets!
Don’t miss your shot—sign up today and be part of the madness!
Volunteer spotlight: Anne Houle
Each month, we highlight a dedicated volunteer making a difference in the ALS community. This month, we’re featuring a member of our Gratitude Group—a team of volunteers who personally welcome and thank new donors through handwritten notes.
For Anne Houle, volunteering is a way to honor her brother and the support her family received.
“Volunteering with the Les Turner ALS Foundation is one way I can show appreciation for everything the Foundation did for my brother and his family during his illness,” she shares.
Members of the Gratitude Group bring a personal touch to donor appreciation, sharing their own experiences and helping others see the impact of their generosity.
We’re grateful for all of our volunteers who help strengthen and support the ALS community.
Want to get involved? Click below to learn more.
Join us for our next ALS Learning Series webinar, featuring Dr. James D. Berry, Chief of the MGH Division of ALS and Motor Neuron Diseases.
Observational studies play a critical role in ALS research—helping accelerate drug development, uncover biomarkers, and refine clinical trials. In this session, Dr. Berry will explore how these studies are shaping the future of ALS treatment and creating lasting resources for the community.
This webinar is offered at no cost thanks to the generous support of the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation, Biogen, and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America.
Guide spotlight: ALS + Genetics
Genetic counseling and testing can provide valuable insight for people living with ALS and their families. Whether or not ALS runs in your family, understanding your genetic profile can help guide care decisions, connect you with clinical trials, and provide clarity for loved ones.
A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional trained to help you navigate this process. They explain the potential benefits and challenges of testing, interpret results, and offer support in deciding what to do next. If you choose to undergo genetic testing, they will guide you through the steps and help determine the best path forward.
