Celebrating 20 Years of ALS Care Excellence at Geisinger Danville

In December, Geisinger Danville’s ALS multidisciplinary clinic marked a remarkable milestone: 20 years of providing comprehensive, compassionate care to people living with ALS and their families. ALS United Mid-Atlantic has been proud to partner with the clinic since 2005, supporting its growth and helping expand access to life-changing multidisciplinary care for more than 300 patients in the region.

On December 10th, Steve Spaulding, MA, Director of Care Services for ALS United Mid-Atlantic, presented Dr. Jose David Avila, Medical Director of the ALS clinic in Danville, with a commemorative plaque recognizing two decades of collaboration. “Watching this clinic grow has been inspiring. Every day, the team here brings hope, understanding, and true partnership to patients and families facing ALS. It’s more than care, it’s a lifeline, and being part of that journey has been an incredible privilege,” shared Steve Spaulding, MA.

The clinic’s journey began with a commitment to a multidisciplinary care model, championed by Scott Friedenberg, Vice Chair of Clinical Practice at Geisinger Medical Center. With the support of ALS United Mid-Atlantic in 2005, the clinic blossomed into a comprehensive, patient-centered hub, where neurologists, nurses, therapists, dietitians, social workers, and mental health professionals work together under one roof.

At the heart of the clinic is a deep commitment to the patient experience. Neuromuscular nurse navigator Treena Rose-Yaple guides patients through three-hour visits that cover every aspect of their care. These visits are not just medical appointments, they are moments of understanding, reassurance, and support, where every question is answered, every fear acknowledged, and every need anticipated. Beyond the clinic, patients benefit from ongoing follow-ups every three months, home health coordination, respiratory therapy visits, and assistance navigating the complexities of daily life.

The clinic provides everything from physical therapy to communication devices, equipment loans, and palliative care, offering patients and their families continuity, comfort, and hope. In 2023, the clinic took another step forward by introducing genetic testing, helping families understand and prepare for ALS in ways that were unimaginable two decades ago.

Over the past 20 years, the Geisinger Danville ALS clinic has become a model for multidisciplinary care. Its growth reflects the dedication of medical professionals, the support of ALS United Mid-Atlantic, and the courage and resilience of people living with ALS and their families. Together, they continue to advance a shared mission: improving quality of life, advocating for research, and delivering comprehensive care to those living with ALS.

As ALS United Mid-Atlantic celebrates this milestone, we look forward to continuing this partnership, expanding services, and supporting patients through every stage of their ALS journey.