ALS Ride For Life’s president, chairman, and executive director with some of the ALS families they help.

The Daughters of Wisdom granted $10,000 to ALS Ride For Life in Stony Brook, NY. They are a first-time Mission Grant.

Founded in 1997, ALS Ride for Life raises funds and awareness for those living with ALS. They hold an annual event where people with ALS (pALS) ride their power wheelchairs along highways in Long Island and Manhattan every May. They also offer multiple programs and grants dedicated to supporting individuals with ALS and their families.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it, ALS causes loss of muscle control. As of now, there is no cure for this fatal disease.

ALS Ride For Life has been working for 28 years to advance research, raise public awareness through education, and provide support to both patients and their families. ALS not only affects the patient, but their support system as well — with the demand of life-sustaining care often leading to financial burdens and emotional drainage.

They will be using the grant to assist people and their families who are dealing with the emotional strain of ALS. They will pair with experienced professionals to provide confidential emotional support services, including counseling for patients and family members.

According to Marilyn Sloan, ALS Ride For Life’s executive director, $8,000 of the grant will be split and used for two $4,000 Care For Life Grants, which will be awarded by February 1 to families who applied. These grants support caregivers by providing financial assistance, enabling them to hire a trusted respite professional.

$2,000 will be used towards Emotional Support Services. They offer both in-person and virtual counseling services via Zoom, phone, text, and email, designed to meet families wherever they are. A licensed professional delivers these services at a "low bono" rate of $40/hour to ensure maximum outreach and impact to families.

Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt recommended this organization for a Wisdom Grant because of how their values align with the Daughters of Wisdom’s mission.

“First of all, the purpose connects directly with the healing ministry of ordinary people, so much a part of our history from the beginning. The organization is patient-driven and so inclusive of those who are being served. The approach is holistic — offering support on different levels to both the patient and the family,” said Sr. Evelyn in her recommendation.

The recommendation also honored Father Gerald Fitzsimmons, SMM, who struggled with ALS.

“It would be so meaningful for ALS Ride For Life to receive a grant from the Daughters of Wisdom in his memory.”

Daughters of Wisdom Awards $10,000 Grant to ALS Ride For Life