The Les Turner ALS Foundation is a
non-profit organization
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
based in
Chicago
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
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that provides
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient services; supports events, education and awareness about ALS; and funds ALS research. Since it was founded, it has raised over $64 million.
History and programs
The Foundation was founded by Les Turner, a Chicago businessman, and his family after he was diagnosed with
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1976.
Les Turner serves nearly 90 percent of ALS patients in the
Chicago metropolitan area
The Chicago metropolitan area, also colloquially referred to as Chicagoland, is a metropolitan area in the Midwestern United States. Encompassing 10,286 sq mi (28,120 km2), the metropolitan area includes the city of Chicago, its suburbs and h ...
.
In 1979, the Les Turner ALS Research Laboratory was opened at
Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine formerly Northwestern Memorial Healthcare, is a non-profit healthcare system affiliated with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, Illinois. Members include research hospitals, acute care fac ...
. Then, in 1986, the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic was opened at Northwestern to provide patient services. It was one of the first multidisciplinary ALS clinics opened in the United States.
In 1983, the Foundation started patient support groups.
In 1992, Les Turner ALS became a founding member of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations.
In 2002, the Foundation's main event, the ALS Walk for Life was started.
In 2014, the Les Turner ALS Research and Patient Center at
Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine formerly Northwestern Memorial Healthcare, is a non-profit healthcare system affiliated with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, Illinois. Members include research hospitals, acute care fac ...
was created to "accelerate research and advance patient care". The Center was opened in addition to the continual operation of three research laboratories and the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic.
In 2015, Les Turner ALS released the campaign, "Freeze ALS", along with 12 ice sculptures around Chicago for
ALS Awareness Month
ALS Awareness Month is a campaign to spread awareness of and raise funds for research for a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Canada
In Canada, June has been declared as ALS Awareness Month by the ...
.
References
Further reading
Les Turner ALS Foundation honors Wendy Abrams
External links
WebsiteLes Turner ALS Research and Patient Center at Northwestern Medicine
Organizations established in 1977
1977 establishments in Illinois
Medical and health organizations based in Illinois
Non-profit organizations based in Chicago
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
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