October 2025 Foundation eNews - Les Turner ALS Foundation

Join us at the leading edge of ALS research

Join us this coming Monday, November 3, at 9:30 am CT for the 15th Annual Les Turner Symposium on ALS, co-hosted by the Les Turner ALS Foundation and the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine.

This one-day event brings together leading ALS researchers, clinicians, and advocates to explore the latest discoveries in ALS science and care. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and connect with others advancing the field.

The symposium will be held in person at Northwestern University’s Feinberg Pavilion and available to stream online.

There is no admission fee, but donations supporting ALS care and research are encouraged.

Register to attend the symposium in person or online by clicking this link.

Join us this Thursday for an ALS Learning Series webinar with Hannah Redd, PT, DPT, NCS, from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Learn about common mobility changes experienced with ALS, from walking aid needs to wheelchair evaluations, and how to work closely with your ALS care team to plan next steps.

This no-cost session is open to people living with ALS, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Sponsored by the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America.

Register now.

Up the ante at All in for ALS Casino Night

Join us for All In for ALS Casino Night on Saturday, November 15, from 7–10 p.m. at the East Bank Club.

Hosted by our Young ProfessionALS Group (YPG), this lively evening features blackjack, roulette, and craps, plus delicious appetizers, a photo booth, and a chance to bid on exclusive auction items—all in support of people living with ALS.

Casino Night is more than just a party—it’s a night of fun and connection, bringing our community together to celebrate and give back.

All proceeds benefit the Foundation, advancing ALS care, support, and research in Chicagoland. Space is limited, get your tickets now!

Study sheds light on how ALS affects nerve cells

A new Northwestern Medicine study—supported by a Les Turner ALS Foundation Research Grant—has uncovered how a key genetic mutation may damage nerve cells in ALS.

Researchers found that changes in a gene called Ataxin-2 (ATXN2) can disrupt the inner structure of motor neurons, the cells responsible for muscle movement. This disruption weakens the neurons’ ability to grow and function properly, which may contribute to the progression of ALS.

By studying these effects in fruit flies, scientists identified a possible path toward therapies that could help protect neurons from damage.

Read how this breakthrough moves ALS research forward.

Medicare open enrollment is happening now

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, giving you the opportunity to review and make changes to your Medicare coverage for the year ahead. Choosing the right plan can help you better manage your ALS care, medications, and support services.

To help you make informed decisions, the Cures Collective and the Center for Medicare Advocacy have created a helpful webinar that explains what’s new this year and how to navigate your options with confidence.

Learn how to compare plans, avoid coverage gaps, and ensure your ALS care needs are met.

Click here to watch the webinar.

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.

Barbara Burns
Rosann Ross
James Thorson
Nancy Voross
Diane Witt

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.