News & Updates
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 season offers a moment to look forward with hope for another year of progress in the fight against ALS, while also reflecting on the real and meaningful successes you made possible.
In 2025, you strengthened our movement in powerful ways, including:
- Advancing ground-breaking ALS research through direct funding support for promising studies at the Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, ALS-TDI, and Temple University.
- Providing expert personal care to more than 1,200 people living with ALS and their families across 10 ALS Treatment Center partners.
- Growing community and awareness through seven ALS United Walks, the Jersey Shore ALS United Ride, and other events across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, bringing together thousands of families and friends united in the fight to end ALS.
- Continuing our 41-year partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies during an unforgettable ALS Awareness Night Presented by Asplundh.
- Driving legislative impact with continued federal investments in ALS research, investments in ALS care across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and new success as the 2025–26 Pennsylvania budget continued funding for ALS care services and, for the first time ever, allocated $5 million for neurodegenerative disease research.
- Bringing families together through Patient and Family Days at Knoebels Amusement Resort and Longwood Gardens, along with two ALS United Mid-Atlantic Holiday Parties.
You make all of this possible. Our commitment to ALS care, research, and advocacy has never been stronger. I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you, and your stories continue to fuel our determination.
As I step into the role of Executive Director, I’m truly honored and excited to lead this organization forward. Your passion, resilience, and generosity inspire me every day, and together we will continue driving progress and meaningful change for families affected by ALS.
We also acknowledge the losses felt across our community this year. Whether through the passing of a loved one or the challenges of ALS progression, please know we feel that pain with you, and our care team is always here to support you.
ALS United Mid-Atlantic has big plans for 2026. I hope you’ll join us again, and invite new friends into this mission. We’ve achieved so much together, and together is how we will achieve what comes next.
Tony Heyl
Executive Director
ALS United Mid-Atlantic
Our ALS Stories
2025 Year in Photos
Upcoming Events
Help & Hope Symposium
Thursday, April 9 | 9 AM
Save the date for the annual Help & Hope Symposium, where top ALS clinicians and researchers deliver powerful, inspiring presentations you won’t want to miss. Discover essential information to support people living with ALS, explore innovative technologies from local vendors, and experience the optimism fueled by breakthrough insights from leading ALS researchers.
For questions about the Help & Hope Symposium, please reach out to our Engagement Team at events@alsmidatlantic.org.
ALS United Walk
Saturday, April 18, May 2, and June 6, 2026
Join us this spring as we celebrate ALS United Walks in Scranton (April 18), Seaside (May 2), and Hershey (June 6). The ALS United Walk is a time for our community to come together to show that no one faces ALS alone. There is no registration fee, but participants are encouraged to fundraise throughout the year.
For questions about the ALS United Walk, please reach out to our Engagement Team at events@alsmidatlantic.org.
Jersey Shore ALS United Ride
Saturday, June 13 | 7 AM
ALS United Mid-Atlantic is returning to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, NJ! Riders can choose 25 KM, 50 KM, or 100 KM routes with a $75 registration fee and a $250 fundraising commitment, or enjoy the family-friendly 6-mile ride with no fundraising required. Early-bird registration is just $50 for a limited time, so sign up early and save! Riders with ALS and virtual participants can register for free.
For questions, please reach out to our Ride Coordinators, Taylor Montgomery and Chris Albright, at ride@alsmidatlantic.org.