ALS Association Establishes Disaster Relief Fund to Provide Support in Wake of Harvey

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, The ALS Association today announced the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund to ensure that people living with ALS and their families in the affected areas continue to receive services and programs. All donations to ALSA.org/Harvey will go directly to the Disaster Relief Fund.

"Our hearts are with everyone in the Texas and Louisiana areas, especially those we serve with ALS and their families," said Barbara Newhouse, president and CEO of The ALS Association. "The flooding has put millions at risk, particularly those with ALS who already require additional help with medical needs. We are grateful for the public's help to ensure those services continue during the recovery and in the weeks and months ahead."

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. For unknown reasons, veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population.

The Texas and Louisiana/Mississippi Chapters are currently trying to reach people living with ALS and their families in the affected areas. In addition, staging facilities are being set up in Houston to provide necessary medical and respiratory equipment, nutrition supplies, and personal care items.

For those in the Texas area, The ALS Association Texas Chapter has created a page of resources for people with ALS and their families who are affected by Hurricane Harvey. (http://www.alstexas.org/disaster-resources-people-als/)

People with ALS in the affected Louisiana and Mississippi areas should contact 1-800-782-4747.

About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The ALS Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about The ALS Association, visit our website at www.alsa.org.

You can make a donation to the ALS Association Disaster Relief fund at alsa.org/Harvey.

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SOURCE The ALS Association