Thunderbirds Charities Awards $35,000 to ALS

Thunderbirds Charities awarded $35,000 to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association Arizona Chapter. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

“We are so grateful for this incredibly generous gift from The Thunderbirds,” said Taryn Norley, President and CEO of the ALS Association Arizona Chapter. “This donation will allow us to continue to invest in the children and young adults who are affected by family members diagnosed with ALS.”

The Children and Youth Program was established in 2016 to serve the needs of youth affected by ALS. Services supported by the donation include:

  • Kid’s Day Out, a day of fun designed for youth ages six through 18 as a way to take a break from the realities of ALS. At Kid’s Day Out, youth can immerse themselves in entertaining activities while connecting with peers in similar situations.
  • Family Connections, a support group that brings families together to engage in emotional processing activities that foster discussion on the struggles of life with ALS in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Family Fun Packs, which are mailed every quarter to families that include supplies for bonding and memory making activities the entire family can enjoy together.

Currently, the entire program serves more than 60 children. ALS is 100% fatal with no known cause, cure, or effective treatment. Upon diagnosis, patients have only 2-5 years to live, and expenses for those living with ALS average $200,000 annually.

For more information alsaz.org.

This grant is part of the Spring 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.