Join us for our Powerful Tools for Caregivers Fall Session!
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-session class that gives caregivers the skills to take care of themselves while also caring for someone else. Classes touch on tools to help reduce stress, improve self-confidence, manage time, set goals, solve problems, better communicate, feelings, locate helpful resources, and make tough decisions.
Class Dates: (Weekly from 6pm-7:30pm)
October 5th
October 12th
October 19th
October 26th
November 2nd
RSVP to April Smith at april@cure4als.org or 412-480-5268 to register or receive more information.
Innovation in Clinical Trial Design
September 21 @7:00-8:00 AM (EST New York))
Register here
Clinical trial design is evolving in the ALS/MND community. This webinar updates us on what the new models are, how they are changing the landscape and what are the practical implications for our community.
Moderator: Gethin Thomas – Executive Director, Research | Motor Neurone Disease AustraliaPanel: Dr. Merit Cudkowicz – HEALEY Trial, Dr. Leonard van den Berg – MAGNET Trial, & Professor Siddharthan Chandran – SMART Trial
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Living with ALS Meeting
Saturday, September 24, 2022
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
VIRTUAL ONLY
Caregiver Support Group
Saturday, September 24, 2022
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET
VIRTUAL ONLY
Resource Group
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
Topic: Andrea King (Smartbox Assistive Technology)
Ms. King will be presenting some new technology that is available to those experiencing difficulty with overall communication.
VIRTUAL ONLY
RSVP to any Care Services Programs through April Smith at 412-480-5268 or april@cure4als.org
FDA Advisory Committee Vote on AMX0035
On September 7, The FDA Advisory Committee voted 7-2 to support approval of AMX0035 citing that the additional evidence submitted by Amylyx was sufficient. A final decision by the FDA will be made on September 29,2022.
We applaud and thank the FDA Advisory Committee for their vote to support approval of AMX0035 and we urge the FDA to swiftly approve. Americans living with ALS cannot wait. We are grateful for the support of thousands of members of the ALS community who have strongly advocated for approval of AMX0035.
One Team. One Mission. One World Without ALS.
Effective July 1, 2022, The ALS Association Western Pennsylvania Chapter has joined the unified ALS Association, moving from a federated chapter to join one single organization. One team with one mission. To support our team, we are now part of a Territory, one of ten nationwide.
This new unified structure is centered around local mission delivery, meaning our services will still be operating at the community level, just as they are today. We will be strategically aligned, fiscally efficient, and community-based. We will stay connected to our community by maintaining our office, staff, clinics, and volunteer networks, while continuing to build upon them.
Meet our Chapter Care Services Team
Jill earned her MSW degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003 and has worked in the social work/health care field since that time. She currently lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, son and family “cat”. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family, camping, biking and watching her very active child in sports!
Kristin, MSW, has worked in the social work field for 10 years and earned her MSW from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016 and license in 2018. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs – Remy and Gordie (and their brother next door, Monty).
Brittany earned her MSW from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010, and became licensed in 2011. Since then, she has been working as a social worker in various healthcare fields. She lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, daughter and french bulldog Lily. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and cooking (especially big pots of homemade soup).
Kate Karlovits, SLP is the contracted Speech Language Pathologist for our Chapter. Kate specializes in finding solutions for people who are unable to communicate through unconventional means. For those living with ALS, this frequently means implementing the use of Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs).⠀
April has been with our Chapter for close to 4 years. In addition to coordinating monthly Chapter Resource, Living with ALS, and Caregiver Support groups, April is also in charge of our Equipment Loan Program and Transportation Program.
Our former Director of Care Services, Marie Folino, MSW, LSW, has moved into the role of Managing Director of Care Services, overseeing all care management for the Territory. Rest assured, Marie will remain an integral part of our local work and you will be in good hands with the familiar faces filling her shoes.
Chapter Services
Our Chapter offers a full range of services to guide and assist you as you learn more about ALS.
The ALS Association - Western Pennsylvania Blog 