February Newsletter

February 2024

Do you have two or more blood relatives with ALS? If so, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Right now, there is an approved effective treatment for ALS caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene. The Atlas study is investigating the use of this treatment for preventing ALS in people carrying the SOD1 gene.

We are also looking for families who have ALS caused by other mutations so that when an effective treatment is found, we will be ready to see if it will help delay the start of the disease.

If you are interested, contact Meraida Polak at 404-778-3807 or mpolak@emory.edu for more information.

The ALS Association Georgia Chapter is now ALS United of Georgia

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, ALS United of Georgia developed local programs that give Georgians living with ALS the services they need to navigate a new – and full – life, post diagnosis. From support groups and transportation services, to care grants, respite care and loaned equipment, we seek to provide whatever help families need when they need it.

Our commitment to serving the evolving needs of Georgia families, now and in the future, means you can count on the same high-quality services being available when you need them. We now have the flexibility to add programs as new needs emerge. Most importantly, when you need us, the people who answer the phone, hold your hand, and let you know you're not alone are your neighbors here in Georgia.

For more information about ALS United of Georgia, visit https://alsgeorgia.org/

Fred Seidell Memorial Texas Hold 'Em Tournament & Art Show Raises $15,000

Source Marietta Daily Journal

Janice Overbeck hosted a Poker Night & Art Show Fundraiser for Emory ALS on Jan. 27.

Participants tried their luck in the tournament while raising funds by purchasing arts & crafts and raffle tickets for the Big Green Egg.

Through donations, arts & crafts and raffle tickets sold, the event raised $15,127 to be presented to Dr. Jonathan Glass of the Emory ALS Reach Center.

Since its inception in 2016, the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team’s non-profit, JO Gives Inc., has hosted fundraising events in addition to making donations to the Emory ALS Center annually.

“After losing my father to ALS in 2015, I have been very passionate about research and finding a cure for this horrible disease," Overbeck said. "Additional funding is extremely important to better understand the disease and determine possible risk factors. Though research has advanced over the last several years to help many ALS patients live longer and more productive lives, there is still a lot of work to be done.

18th Annual Fiesta 5k for ALS is Saturday, April 27, 2024

Come #runLOCO4ALS on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the 18^th annual Fiesta 5k Challenge. You can run, walk, or roll in your wheelchair and help raise funds for the Emory ALS Center. There is a Virtual option as well if you cannot join us on race day.

Also, you can create a fundraising team and help raise additional money in honor or memory of a loved one. Sponsorships are still available, too. All details and information can be found at runsignup.com/runloco4als.