On behalf of all of us at ALS United Mid-Atlantic, I want to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!
This is a time to look forward to another year of progress in the fight against ALS, while also looking back at the successes you made possible.
In 2024, you made our movement stronger. This includes:
• Direct funding support for promising ALS research studies at ALS-TDI, the Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Temple University, and Pennsylvania Hospital.
• Personal care for over 1,200 people living with ALS with expert leaders across 9 ALS Treatment Centers.
• 7 ALS United Walks across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, with thousands of friends and supporters gathering to raise money and awareness for the ALS cause.
• Our first Help and Hope event in over 5 years to learn from nationally recognized leaders in ALS research.
• An incredible ALS Awareness Night with the Philadelphia Phillies as part of Lou Gehrig Day to Strike Out ALS.
• Our first in-person ALS Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, since 2019 and successful advocacy visits in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, including, for the first time, state funding that would benefit ALS research.
• An unforgettable Jersey Shore ALS United Ride ending at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, NJ.
• Patient and family days at Knoebels Amusement Resort and Longwood Gardens and two ALS United Mid-Atlantic Holiday Parties.
• Increased ALS Awareness across media, including The Today Show.
• An incredible Annual Celebration to honor the Philadelphia Phillies for their 40-year commitment to the ALS cause.
You make this possible. Our commitment to ALS care, research, and advocacy has never been stronger. This past year, I personally met and heard from so many of you about why you continue to be involved with ALS United Mid-Atlantic. We take all of your stories to heart as motivation to keep going.
We also note the many losses you have faced because of ALS in the past year. Whether it is a loved one passing away or the challenging progression of this terrible disease, we feel that pain too. Please know that our care staff is always here for you.
ALS United Mid-Atlantic has big plans for 2025. I hope you will join us again and bring new friends with you. We have accomplished so much and we can only do it together. Please take this time to feel proud of what you have done, reflect on how ALS impacts those we love, and make your plan to be part of our mission again this year.
Thank you,
Jeffrey W. Cline
Executive Director
ALS United Mid-Atlantic
2024 Year in Review
Joyce Paugh (center) celebrating at an ALS United Walk in memory of her husband.
January 2025 Volunteer of the Month:
Joyce Paugh
When Joyce Paugh’s husband Racey was diagnosed with ALS in 2005, she was committed to provide him with all of the love and support that he needed. Race passed away on Valentine’s Day in 2006. Joyce carries her love for Racey in all that she does through the ALS United Walk and to raise money and awareness for the ALS cause.
ALS United Mid-Atlantic is proud to recognize Joyce Paugh as the January 2025 Volunteer of the Month.