Clive Svendsen – From Community Voices to ALS Breakthroughs
ALS research is advancing every day, thanks to scientists like Dr. Clive Svendsen. In this short video, he shares how working closely with patients inspires his team, fuels discoveries, and brings us closer to understanding ALS. Watch the video to see how the ALS Network, with your support, leads efforts to accelerate the search for cures and partners with the ALS community to identify prevention strategies, treatments and cures for ALS.
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Over the past 15 years, awareness of ALS has grown, but the disease remains devastating. Clive Svendsen, PhD, Executive Director of the Regenerative Medicine Institute at Cedars-Sinai, is at the forefront of finding treatments that can change lives. He combines cutting-edge stem cell research with a patient-focused approach, working closely with people diagnosed with ALS and clinicians to uncover what we still don’t understand about the disease.
Dr. Svendsen highlights the critical role of the ALS Network, whose connections with the community inspire and guide his research team. For young scientists in his lab, meeting people with ALS fuels motivation and urgency, reminding them that their work has a direct impact on real lives.
Your support makes this work possible. By contributing to the ALS Network, you help fuel collaboration, innovation, and bring us closer to curing ALS together.
Peter Landecker – Transforming the Future of ALS
In the face of ALS, where challenges often seem insurmountable, individuals like Peter Landecker emerge as pillars of strength and compassion. Through his Strategic Initiatives Fund, Peter isn’t just funding ALS research, he’s fueling bold scientific breakthroughs. Discover how one donor’s vision is accelerating the search for cures for ALS.
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A Legacy of Support
Peter B. Landecker, Ph.D., a former astrophysics researcher and longtime ALS Network Advisory Trustee, has a deeply personal connection to the ALS community. His father, affectionately known as Landy, was diagnosed with ALS in 1985 and passed away the following year. Inspired by his father’s courage and his mother Mildred Landecker’s generous gift to ALS research in Landy’s memory, Peter established the Peter Landecker Strategic Initiatives Fund in honor of his father, Dr. Louis Landecker. This fund is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and accelerating the development of effective treatments and cures for ALS.
As a scientist himself, Peter understands the challenges researchers face. His commitment to sustained, multi-year support reflects a strategic vision: to empower scientists, drive innovation, and foster breakthroughs in ALS therapy development, from prevention to halting progression and ultimately finding cures.
Peter has also included the ALS Network in his estate plan, a testament to his enduring dedication to the cause. His belief in the ALS Network’s integrated approach to scientific discovery continues to fuel his enthusiasm for supporting its pioneering work. Peter’s story is a powerful reminder that personal commitment, when paired with strategic action, can drive meaningful change.
Facing ALS Together – Sharalyn’s Story
This moving video follows one woman’s journey with ALS. Initially hesitant to share her diagnosis, Sharalyn soon realized the strength in leaning on her community and loved ones. Asking for help became a source of connection, not weakness. A story of courage, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Initially hesitant to share her diagnosis, Sharalyn soon realized the strength in leaning on her community and loved ones. Asking for help became a source of connection, not weakness.
A trained theologian, Sharalyn embraced the need to “walk the talk,” navigating the emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges of ALS. Alongside this inner journey, the ALS Network has been instrumental in supporting the practical aspects of her care. Her trusted ALS Network care manager, Cynthia, provided immediate guidance, answered critical questions, and helped her access essential resources like insurance, Medicare, and medical equipment. From sending a walker when her insurance denied coverage to offering emotional reassurance, the ALS Network has helped Sharalyn maintain her independence while managing the daily realities of ALS.
Thanks to this support, Sharalyn continues to enjoy the activities she loves: traveling, spending time with family, and staying engaged in life, even while facing the uncertainty of her condition. Her story is a powerful reminder of the balance between preparing for the future and staying present in each moment, made possible through the care and connection provided by the ALS Network. It’s also a testament to how the ALS Network accompanies each person diagnosed with ALS, ensuring no one faces this disease alone.
Delia M. – Receive Income for Life and Tax Benefits While Advancing the Search for Cures
“I established a Charitable Gift Annuity to help research and someday help cure or prevent this disease. It turned out to be a win-win situation for me because besides helping to fund this worthy cause, I also receive a lifetime income.” – Delia McCulloch, ALS Network Legacy Society Member
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A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) to benefit the ALS Network allows you to make a lasting impact in the fight against ALS. By donating cash or securities, you’ll help fund innovative research, compassionate care, and vital advocacy for those living with ALS—while also receiving guaranteed, fixed payments for life.
In addition to dependable income, a CGA offers valuable tax benefits and the opportunity to leave a legacy that reflects your deepest values and vision for the future.
By establishing a CGA, you not only secure lifelong income for yourself or a loved one, you help connect people facing ALS with the care and support they need, and you help fuel ALS research too.
The ALS Network partners with the National Gift Annuity Foundation to offer charitable gift annuities.
| Age | Rate | Age | Rate | Age | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 4.8 | 70 | 6.3 | 85 | 9.1 |
| 60 | 5.2 | 75 | 7.0 | 90+ | 10.1 |
| 65 | 5.7 | 80 | 8.1 |
Rates set by the American Council on Gift Annuities
Effective January 1, 2024
Two-life rates available on request
Make a Tax-Wise Gift to the ALS Network
Discover the many benefits of giving through your IRA.
Through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), you can support what matters most while enjoying valuable tax benefits. If you are age 70½ or older, you can transfer up to $108,000 per year directly from your traditional IRA to a qualified nonprofit like the ALS Network. If you are 73 or older, a QCD counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) but is not considered taxable income, making it an especially effective way to support causes close to your heart.
For many donors, the impact goes far beyond the tax benefits. David Lingren, who created the Chateau Seaview Fund with his wife Ilana, describes how meaningful it feels to give in this way:
“Nothing we could do would change Ilana’s prognosis, but Ilana knew we could help make the road easier for others living with ALS—especially those with fewer resources. That’s why we created the Chateau Seaview Fund at the ALS Network, to provide direct support to people with ALS and their families. Making a Qualified Charitable Distribution to the fund from my traditional IRA is a meaningful way to honor her memory and to bring comfort and care to others on this path.”
Join the Legacy Society Today
The ALS Network’s Legacy Society is a special group of supporters who have made a meaningful commitment to changing the world. Members of this dedicated group of supporters make a lasting impact on our mission and also receive invitations to exclusive events, impact reports and recognition in our publications.