November Newsletter

November 2023

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we reflect on this year and the support and generosity shown by our patients, families, caregivers, and friends. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your continued commitment and involvement in creating a world without ALS. We wanted to share with you some significant gifts we have received and their impact, remind you about the upcoming Medicare open enrollment deadline provide some resources to help you, and give you some dates to put on your 2024 calendar.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 is Giving Tuesday, a global movement that encourages you to make a difference this holiday season. Ways you can give include making a financial contribution (click here), registering to participate or volunteering at an event that benefits our center. How ever you spend the holiday season, we hope it is surrounded by your loved ones and that you know how much you mean to all of us at the Emory ALS Center.

Acing ALS Tennis Benefit Raises $10,000 for the Emory ALS Center

The John Jerome Acing ALS Benefit took place on November 3, 2023, in Auburn, AL. We were so happy to see this event return! John’s family, friends and supporters showed up to support him and the Emory ALS Center. Over 40 people came out for an evening of tennis and fundraising, and the event raised $10,000. Our team is thankful for John and his group of organizers and the generous donations of all.

Emory ALS Center Celebrates Multiple Grant Donations Advancing ALS Research

Emory ALS Center proudly announces the reception of multiple grants totaling $350,000 from several generous donors and organizations. These wonderful contributions provide needed resources for the important work we are doing to unlock the secret underlying causes of ALS.

“These gifts will support ongoing and new projects directed at identifying genetic factors that underlie the wide clinical variations seen in ALS patients, and to also investigate blood and spinal fluid markers of disease progression and response to treatment,” Jonathan Glass, MD.

BELOCO Foundation - Grant Amount: $200,000

Susan Wood from the BELOCO Foundation was moved by Dr. Glass' dedication and compassion for his patients and this donation is in honor of a friend who is currently a patient at the Emory ALS Center. Read more about the BELOCO Foundation here.

Craig Reynolds - Grant Amount: $100,000

Craig has been a constant supporter of our research at the Emory ALS Center, while also living with the disease himself.

Lawrence E Browder ALS Research Foundation- Grant Amount: $50,000

“This donation is a legacy to a wonderful husband and father who fought this disease with incredible courage,” Arline Browder, wife of Lawrence Browder.

The combined generosity of the BELOCO Foundation, Craig Reynolds, and Arline Browder exemplifies a shared commitment to our innovative and ground-breaking research. These partnerships stand as a testament to the collaborative effort required to drive our research in ALS and work toward viable treatments and a cure.

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7, 2023

We wanted to remind you that Medicare Open Enrollment will end December 7, 2023, with coverage changes taking effect January 1, 2024. During this time, people with Medicare can compare coverage options such as Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and choose health and drug plans for 2024. Medicare Advantage and Part D plan costs and covered benefits can change from year to year, so people with Medicare should look at their coverage choices and decide on the options that best meet their health needs. You can find help with Medicare enrollment HERE.

The state SHIP program (state health insurance assistance program) is very helpful. They can be reached at 866-552-4464 option 4.

SHIP offers free one-on-one counseling and will explain all of your options regarding Medicare and many other issues. SHIP services support people with limited incomes, Medicare beneficiaries under the age of 65 with disabilities, and individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Ms. Shirley Thomas, Certified Medicare Counselor, GA SHIP Program, GA Legal Services, sthomas@glsp.org, 470-552-3162, specifically helps patients with ALS.

Here is info for ACA Marketplace plans:

https://www.healthcare.gov/blog/mark-open-enrollment-dates-on-your-calendar/

https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/

Also, the process is changing a bit this year and next year for Georgians. Here is a website that explains this:

https://healthyfuturega.org/2023/10/09/changes-are-coming-to-the-way-many-georgians-enroll-in-health-insurance/#:~:text=During%20this%20fall's%20open%20enrollment,for%20and%20enroll%20in%20coverage.

ALS-Texas-Holdem-Tournament-Art-Show image

JO Gives Poker Tournament and Art Show - Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Artists from all over Atlanta will be selling their artwork.100% of the proceeds benefit Emory ALS Center.

Find event information HERE.

Organizers are working to bring back another Raise a Glass to Kick ALS's A$$ event early in 2024.

Make sure to check the events page on our website and follow us on Facebook for details when there is a date.

In memory of Becky Kidd and benefiting Emory ALS Center.

Join us on Saturday, April 27, 2024 for the 18th Annual Fiesta 5k Challenge, benefiting Emory ALS Center. Register to run, walk, or roll HERE. You can also create a fundraising team in honor or memory of a pALS.

#runLOCO4ALS