This National Volunteer Week (April 14 – 20), ALS Canada wishes to recognize, celebrate, and thank our incredible volunteers who support our mission, raise funds, and help work toward a world free of ALS. This year’s theme is Every Moment Matters, something our community knows well. We’re grateful for every moment our volunteers spend positively impacting the lives of people living with ALS and their families. From everyone at ALS Canada, we thank you! As part of our celebration, we are pleased to highlight a few volunteers contributing to our mission and community. Steve Azmier, administrativ ..read more

This blog series is a place for the ALS community to learn about and stay updated on ALS Canada’s advocacy efforts as well as relevant developments within government. Please note that because ALS Canada advocates federally and provincially within Ontario, these updates will primarily feature updates from the federal and Ontario provincial levels of government. Therapeutics updates Masitinib AB Science announced that Health Canada has issued a Notice of Non-Compliance–Withdrawal (NON-W) for masitinib in ALS due to unresolved clinical concerns and data reliability issues. ALBRIOZA (AM00X35) A ..read more

Eight projects receive funding to find answers and fuel discoveries in ALS research Toronto – In their effort to fund progress and innovation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) and Brain Canada are proud to announce the eight recipients of the 2023 Discovery Grants, with a total investment of $1,350,000. The ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grants provide the research community with crucial funding for projects focused on identifying causes of ALS, treatments for ALS or related neurological diseases, and avenues to maximize function, minimi ..read more

Quebec researcher receives $250,000 over three years to investigate gene-based research to treat ALS Toronto – The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) and Brain Canada are dedicated to a shared mission to advance amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. Together, ALS Canada and Brain Canada are proud to announce the recipient of the 2023 Career Transition Award. Dr. Sahara Khademullah at the CERVO Brain Research Centre at Université Laval will receive $250,000 over a period of three years to support her innovative ALS research. This award aims to develop the next generation of scientists a ..read more

Implementation of the Ontario Provincial ALS Program is critical for addressing the urgent needs of Ontarians living with ALS and their families Toronto – Today, people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers join the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) and physicians from Ontario’s five regional multi-disciplinary ALS Clinics for a Day of Action at Queen’s Park, urging the Ontario government to invest $6.6 million of crucial funding in Budget 2024 to support Ontarians living with ALS and their families with their health care needs. The goal of today’s ALS Canada Da ..read more

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex disease with varying symptoms and severity for people affected. Due to its heterogeneity, diagnosing the disease can be challenging and finding effective treatments can also be difficult. CAPTURE (Comprehensive Analysis Platform To Understand, Remedy, and Eliminate) ALS is a platform established in Canada to gather biological samples, data, and experiences of people with ALS and healthy volunteers from across the country. Through a collective effort, researchers aim to better understand the genetic causes of ALS, identify biomarkers for early de ..read more

Funding for first two projects to total $200,000 Toronto – Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that can progress with startling swiftness. The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) recognizes the need to move quickly in funding promising research and, with a new grant program, intends to condense lengthy processes between the selection and funding of research projects while also expanding the scope of eligible projects globally. The ALS Canada Acceleration Grant Program was created with the goal of propelling an exciting line of research forward seamlessly, without the need for leng ..read more

In Canada, what the provincial health care systems provide does not always match the needs of people living with ALS. This statement rings true for Ontario, where the current ALS care and support landscape in the province presents people living with ALS with significant challenges that demand immediate action.  The Issue The impact of an ALS diagnosis on the person living with the disease and their family, caregivers, and community is tremendous and pervasive – physically, psychologically, and financially. In Ontario, more than 1,300 people living with ALS not only face the harsh realitie ..read more

As we bid farewell to 2023, we want to take a moment to celebrate YOU. Your dedication throughout this month, and indeed the entire year, has been nothing short of inspirational. As a community, you have rallied together to show your generosity. And your giving spirit has not only uplifted the ALS community but has also propelled our mission forward. As we embrace the possibilities of the upcoming year, we have a timely and essential reminder: The end-of-year CRA tax receipt deadline is mere days away! Why is this momentous for you? Immediate Impact: Your gift ensures we can continue to s ..read more

My name is Mehboob, and I’d like to share my story with you. And I want to say thank you.  In late 2020, life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with ALS. Once the provider of medical care as a family physician in the community of Stoney Creek, Ontario, I found myself in need of care and support. ALS, as many of you might know, is a relentless adversary. The speed with which it operates can be overwhelming. But the journey I embarked on has become one not of despair but of hope and inspiration. I have learned to accept this journey that I am on. This disease is a rare one, an ..read more