Donate today and your gift can be doubled!
People with ALS and their families are counting on your donations, and today, that gift will be doubled
Your contribution today will be matched by a generous donor, up to the first $10,000. This means your gift can have TWICE the impact on the lives of those touched by ALS, right now and in the future.
Approaching our 50th year of serving people living with ALS, we thank you for supporting our life-affirming care. And now, your donation will be doubled!
ALS United Mid-Atlantic offers compassionate help to those living with ALS and their families. Together with our dedicated team of experts, we pursue a vision of a world without ALS. Our solemn commitment is to unite all our resources to empower our patients and families to live their lives to the fullest.
When you donate right now, your gift will be matched, doubling the impact for those we serve.
A letter from Crystal Goodwyn
I will never get tired of talking about my brother, Kevin. His life and spirit continue to inspire me every day.
My parents raised us four kids in the West Philadelphia house that they bought when Kevin was a baby. As the oldest, Kevin was the protector and teacher. I vividly remember walking to school with Kevin on one side and my brother Kenny on the other, each holding on to me as if I might blow away in the winter wind. Later on, Kevin taught me how to drive in the school parking lot – a stick shift, no less!
Kevin was 36 years old when he was diagnosed with ALS in 1999. We were shocked. My big brother: a vibrant, active guy who looked out for all of us, was handed a death sentence.
ALS United Mid-Atlantic had answers to questions we didn’t even know we had. Kevin began seeing neurologists and physical therapists. ALS United Mid-Atlantic helped Kevin get equipment like a power wheelchair and communication devices.
Kevin using his eye-gaze technology to communicate with Phillies players.
When ALS and its frustrations got to Kevin, someone from ALS United Mid-Atlantic always reached out. His Visiting Volunteer would show up. His social worker would call and email. ALS United Mid-Atlantic became a branch of our family tree.
ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s support touched us at all levels: spiritually, mentally, and physically. Kevin often said at the end of a long day, “And then comes tomorrow.”
ALS United Mid-Atlantic meets people where they are with experienced, compassionate staff who are ready to help patients and those who love them face the challenges of ALS. The organization provides medical equipment, communication devices, accessibility options, financial assistance for in-home care, wheelchair accessible transportation, education, plus skilled and compassionate social workers and nurses that ensure no one faces ALS alone.
As a family member, I can tell you that these resources are invaluable. These services are only possible because of donations from supporters like you.
Kevin lived with ALS for more than 20 years. Kevin loved to learn, and I watched his soul continue to grow and spread. He often questioned why he was “still here.” He continued to inspire those around him, including his friends at the Phillies.
Kevin with Jimmy Rollins at the Phillies Phestival.
After Kevin died in 2021, I was still carrying his words with me. He told me that my story – our story – was important and that my voice was the one that should be telling it.
My volunteer work with ALS United Mid-Atlantic began long ago, when family and friends organized our first Philadelphia ALS United Walk team. Each fall we raise money and let other people facing ALS know they are not alone. ALS United Mid-Atlantic is here to help them face their tomorrow.
As a board member of ALS United Mid-Atlantic, I proudly represent Kevin and my family and friends – every branch of the family tree, all while hearing Kevin’s encouragement in my head.
Crystal with her team at the Philadelphia ALS United Walk.
Donations, volunteerism, and advocacy are opportunities to extend the branches of this family tree. Right now, you can make twice the impact. An anonymous donor will match the first $10,000 in contributions to this appeal, doubling your gift and doubling the hope for families living with ALS.
I invite you to join me in honoring Kevin and all those living with ALS. Please consider donating today, volunteering your time, or lending your voice to advocacy.
Tomorrow is not promised. With your gift, ALS United Mid-Atlantic can keep its promise to help people living with ALS face their tomorrow.
Crystal Goodwyn
Board Member
Surviving Sibling