Target ALS

As we reflect on this season of giving thanks, we are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support from our entire community – researchers, donors, those living with ALS and their families, our partners, and supporters like you. Your dedication, passion, and generosity drive the progress we’ve made in the fight against ALS, and together, we’re moving closer to a world where #EveryoneLives. Whether you donate, participate in studies, conduct research, or raise awareness, your contributions make an immeasurable difference. You are the reason we can keep pushing boundaries and fostering the collaboration necessary to find effective treatments for ALS. From all of us at Target ALS, thank you for being a part of our journey. #ThankYou #Grateful #ALS #ALSResearch #Thanksgiving

Target ALS was proud to participate in the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) Meeting, where we shared two pivotal research initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of ALS research and accelerating progress toward effective treatments. Here are the highlights: Global Natural History Study: Our study is transforming ALS research by addressing diversity, intending to enroll more than 800 ALS participants and 200 healthy controls across 18 global sites. To date, 171 participants have been enrolled, including 93 ALS participants and 78 healthy controls, with 102 participants already completing the study. Over 15,000 longitudinal biofluid samples (plasma, serum, urine, and CSF) have been collected and can be requested. Associated clinical and genetic data and speech and motor data collected using innovative digital health technologies, from the Natural History Study can be explored at no cost through the Target ALS Data Engine. We are thrilled about the increased participation of ALS patients from Hispanic and Latino communities - thanks to our amazing clinical teams at the University of Puerto Rico and Instituto Roosevelt, Bogota Colombia, and to Dr. Robert Bowser and Judith Chavira, the Outreach Program Manager at Barrow Neurological Institute. Multicenter Human Postmortem Tissue Core: This initiative provides ALS researchers with unparalleled access to high-quality postmortem tissues, including samples from 292 ALS cases, 39 FTD cases, and 110 non-neurological controls. With over 50,000 biosamples banked and distributed to over 300 labs worldwide, the tissue core spans six sites and includes robust genomic and pathological data. These resources are shared without intellectual property restrictions, fostering collaboration and accelerating the discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Impact on ALS Research: We have made tremendous progress in advancing ALS research, providing invaluable resources to scientists all over the globe, and driving innovations that are bringing us closer to effective treatments. However, the work is far from over. ALS remains a complex and urgent challenge, and we are unwavering in our dedication to breaking down barriers, fostering collaboration, and accelerating discovery. Together, we can build a future where #EveryoneLives. Read more: https://bit.ly/3VaUZXE #ALSResearch #NEALS2024 #DataDrivenImpact #ALS #Collaboration Thank you to our principal investigators for making this progress possible: Robert Bowser, Shafeeq Ladha, Timothy Miller, Cindy Ly, Neil Shneider, Matthew Harms, Bjorn Oskarrson, John Ravits, Michael Weiss, Lydia Sharp, James Orengo, James Berry, Brent Harris, Nicholas Streicher, Senda Ajroud-Driss, Valerie Wojna, Martha Peña Preciado, Marc Gotkine, Colin Smith

ALS doesn’t quit, and neither do we. This season of giving, join us and double your impact on ALS research. Every dollar you donate through December 31 will be matched up to $100,000. Your contribution will go twice as far to fuel groundbreaking ALS research and inspire hope for those living with ALS and their families. At Target ALS, our mission is clear: to break down barriers to ALS research to find effective treatments so #EveryoneLives. Double the power of your giving today: https://bit.ly/3YXQ0ec #TargetALS #GivingSeason #DoubleYourImpact #ALSResearch

ALS has been a part of Emily Cox’s family for generations. Her grandmother and great-aunt both succumbed to the disease. Years later, when her father, Peter, began losing strength in his hand, Emily immediately suspected ALS. Peter passed away in June 2024 at the age of 67, leaving behind a devoted family, forever changed. Emily reflects on the harsh realities of ALS: “People don’t realize that this is something that continuously gets worse and takes everything, and just gets harder and harder. It’s almost like a nightmare that’s constantly unfolding, and you never know what’s going to be taken next” Through genetic testing, Emily discovered she carries the same genetic mutation as her father and lives with uncertainty about her future. “I feel like I’m carrying a ticking time bomb,” she shares. Despite the fear, she is driven by hope and determination: “Participating in research was a no-brainer… honestly I would donate my brain if I didn’t need it right now. Ultimately, the greater good is the biggest driving factor.” Emily believes true change will come from greater understanding. “If people knew how devastating this disease is—not just for the person, but for their family and caregivers—there would be more support, funding, and urgency for treatments.” Join us in building a world where Everyone Lives. Double your donation and impact today: https://bit.ly/3V1cjP1 #NationalCaregiversMonth #ALS #ALSResearch #DoubleYourImpact

"You come to this realization that nobody is coming to save you; this is your life.” Theresa says. “Then you get to make the decision, are you going to be happy through it, despite the challenges that you’re faced with?” For nine years, Theresa Whitlock-Wild has been the heart and soul of her family’s journey with ALS. As her husband Matt’s caregiver, she’s faced sleepless nights, countless sacrifices, and heartbreak—yet through it all, she’s chosen love, hope, and purpose. Together, Theresa and Matt founded Matt's Place Foundation to provide something they know too many families lack: a safe place to live, the resources to adapt, and the hope to keep going. But Theresa’s journey is about more than caregiving. It’s about showing us all that even in life’s darkest moments, you can create light for others. Their story is one of resilience. Of mourning the life they once knew while building something extraordinary for families like theirs. Of turning love into action, even when the odds are stacked against them. Discover how Theresa’s unshakable strength and Matt’s uncrushable spirit are transforming lives. Read their story here: https://bit.ly/4hZX1Ul Donate today and double your impact: https://bit.ly/4fWUtEL #NationalCaregiversMonth #MattPlaceFoundation #ALS #ALSResearch #EveryoneLives #DoubleYourImpact

I was fortunate to be honored by three outstanding organizations in the past week. ALS United Greater New York (the Jacob Javits Lifetime Achievement Award), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory with my wife, Alisa (the Double Helix Medal). Both of those were for the impact Target ALS has on research on ALS. And the final one was from The Shed (NY) (the Dan Doctoroff Disruptor Award) for my contributions to New York City and building The Shed. ALS United and BBDO Worldwide made a excellent, emotional short film about living with ALS. https://wdrv.it/877f24ff4

Double your impact! Every dollar you donate from today through December 31st will be matched up to $100,000, meaning your gift will have DOUBLE the power to advance groundbreaking research and bring hope to thousands of families navigating the challenges of ALS. ALS is a relentless, progressive disease that affects each person differently, but often advances at a rapid pace. For individuals and families facing ALS, time is precious, and every moment counts. At Target ALS, we're breaking down barriers to accelerate research with one bold vision: Everyone Lives. Your donation today could be the catalyst for tomorrow’s breakthroughs in ALS research. Join us now to get a head start on this Giving Season and help us reach our $100,000 match goal: https://bit.ly/3OibPA6 Thank you to three generous families for donating this matching gift in honor of Dan and Alisa Doctoroff. #ALSResearch #ALS #EveryoneLives #GivingTuesday

"I hope no family or friends ever have to go through this. I wouldn’t even wish this on an enemy.” – Jeff Yates For Jeff, living with ALS is a daily battle, one he faces alongside his daughter Ashley, who became his primary caregiver at just 24. Together, they navigate the challenges of this relentless disease with courage, resilience, and hope. For Jeff and Ashley, a coordinated and collaborative approach to ALS research represents that hope — the belief that every biofluid given, every data point, and every insight can help build a world where everyone with ALS lives. At Target ALS, we are committed to making that hope a reality, standing with families like theirs as we work to drive breakthroughs together. Read their powerful story and join the fight against ALS: https://bit.ly/3ObBV85 #NationalCaregiversMonth #CaregiversMonth #ALS #ALSResearch #EveryoneLives #Collaboration

We are excited to announce that a validated pTDP-43 antibody, a crucial tool for ALS research, is now accessible to the global research community through the Target ALS Reagents Core in collaboration with Dr. Len Petrucelli and DSHB. Developed by the Petrucelli Lab, this antibody targets the pTDP-43 protein, whose aggregation is a defining feature in 97% of ALS cases. Historically, pTDP-43 antibodies have been difficult to source and often lacked robust validation. Target ALS is committed to breaking down barriers and democratizing access to essential research tools. By offering this high-quality, validated antibody for a nominal fee, ALS researchers across the globe will be able to further their important work Learn more: https://bit.ly/4emC1UY #EveryoneLives #pTDP34 #ALSResearch

Target ALS is remembering and honoring former board member Dr. Mike Poole, who recently passed away.   Dr. Poole joined the Target ALS board in 2016, contributing invaluable insights, leadership, and dedication that advanced our mission to accelerate ALS research and bring hope to those affected by the disease.   A visionary in neuroscience, he was a true leader in the fields of neurology and drug development for over three decades, serving in both small and large biotech companies.   We remember Dr. Poole for his achievements, passion, and humanity. His impact on Target ALS and the neuroscience community will be felt for years to come. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. His memory will inspire us as we strive for a future where everyone with ALS lives.