In January, David Redden and his wife Jeannette, a couple deeply committed to the Hudson Valley, were honored with the prestigious Franny Reese Medal by Scenic Hudson. Despite facing the new challenges of David’s ALS diagnosis, their dedication to the region has never wavered. David’s legacy is marked by his more than three decades of service on the boards of Scenic Hudson and its affiliated Land Trust. David’s environmental advocacy was unwavering, earning him a reputation as a visionary leader and a vocal opponent of threats to the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty. Beyond his enviro ..read more

Ashley and Vaughnee As an inner-city youth from El Barrio, also known as East Harlem, I was blessed to have found love in the beautiful sport of softball. The sport kept me active, safe, grounded and introduced to me many girls that I’d develop sisterhoods with. There is one sisterhood in particular that has a beautiful and unique story. That sisterhood is with my dear friend Ashley Amy Rivera, a 29-year-old Bronx native who has been living with ALS since 2020. We met playing softball on opposing teams shortly after my 13th birthday. Ashley became one of the fiercest centerfielders in the leag ..read more

At ALS United Greater New York, we believe in empowering individuals and families impacted by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease—with comprehensive care, pioneering research, and strong advocacy. ALS is a neurological disease that gradually attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which are critical for controlling voluntary muscles. This neurological condition leads to muscle weakness, wasting (atrophy), and involuntary muscle twitching (fasciculations). It usually results in a loss of the capacity to speak, eat, move, and breathe. While mos ..read more

ALS United Greater New York’s Care Service Team has some of the most caring and experienced local staff working with those living with ALS in the greater New York region. Our local teams have a combined 130 years of working experience at our organization! Michelle McKenzie, the Care Services Coordinator for NYC, is among our incredible staff shining as a beacon of compassion and expertise. For the past eight years, Michelle McKenzie has served as the Care Services Coordinator for ALS United Greater New York (formerly known as ALS Association Greater New York). Originally hailing from Point Ple ..read more

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a bold step in the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by proposing a groundbreaking $25 million allocation for ALS research in her FY 24/25 Executive Budget. This move underscores her commitment to advancing medical research and finding a cure for this progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The proposed $25 million funding aims to support ALS research initiatives, including scientific studies, clinical trials, and the development of innovative therapies. Governor Hochul recognizes the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by ALS giv ..read more

On Monday, November 6th, the ALS community came together to commemorate the remarkable progress in ALS research and the ever-evolving landscape of care for those contending with this devastating disease during our annual Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala. The evening commenced with insightful remarks from Board President Allen J. Popowitz and President & CEO Kristen Cocoman, who shared the exciting news of our transition from the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter to ALS United Greater New York. This transformative announcement was accompanied by the unveiling of a striking new logo, setting th ..read more

Accessing essential healthcare services is fundamental, but for many ALS patients and their families, travel can be an insurmountable challenge. The hustle and bustle of daily life can be daunting, and for those with ALS and limited mobility, the obstacles can seem overwhelming. The absence of a personal vehicle, or the presence of one ill-suited for accommodating wheelchairs and mobility aids, can transform the simple act of attending regular center visits into a stressful ordeal. As the devoted local ALS organization, we are able to offer our ALS Transportation Program—a radiant ray of hope ..read more

We are absolutely thrilled to shine a spotlight on Her ALS Story at the upcoming Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, taking place on November 6th at Pier Sixty in New York City. Her ALS Story stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity for young women who, like Leah Stavenhagen, have faced the daunting diagnosis of ALS before the age of 35. This remarkable network not only advocates tirelessly for improved treatment options but also nurtures a haven of mutual support, empowering these incredible women to lead their lives to the fullest. In 2019, Leah Stavenhagen’s world was forever altered when, at just 26 ..read more

In 2022, Lou was diagnosed with ALS. However, a little over twenty years ago a love story of art and poetry began. Back in 2002, Mary and Lou crossed paths in the early days of online dating. Mary, a dedicated teacher, used to rush home after her classes, eager to dive into the words he shared with her online. She cherished every carefully crafted sentence he composed. Lou, who initially found inspiration in the works of Mexican poet Octavio Paz, felt his passion deepen when he met Mary, a talented painter. She wasn’t just any artist to him; she was his muse. In 2003, they decided to tie the ..read more

HOME VISITS Our local Care Services team is excited to offer in-person home visits once again throughout our region. We no longer require waivers or precautions, but safety remains our number one consideration. Any family who would like an in-person home visit is invited to request one from their individual Care Coordinator. Virtual (ZOOM) visits remain a popular option. We are committed to offering multiple opportunities for families and our team to meet and interact. BEREAVEMENT At Greater New York, we are here to support families facing ALS. We understand that the emotional needs of our fam ..read more