On December 7, 2017, Calaneet Balas began her role as president and CEO for The ALS Association. This article is the first in a new monthly blog series called "Calaneet’s Corner." Each column will provide you with a mission update and let you hear directly from Calaneet. Our first column goes behind the scenes to get to know Calaneet.
When first diagnosed with ALS, one of the first questions people ask is whether it is OK to continue exercising. A recently completed ALS Association funded study by Dr. Nicholas Maragakis of Johns Hopkins University and team set out to help answer this common question by exploring the possible benefits of exercise for people living with ALS.
We filed comments urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights to finalize a proposed rule that would strengthen civil rights protections against discrimination on the basis of disability in federal health care programs.
Melissa Enfinger, a care services director for The ALS Association based in Alabama, knows the importance of mental health when dealing with ALS. Melissa recently joined us on a Connecting ALS podcast episode to help us better understand the role wellness plays in making ALS livable and improving a person’s quality of life and share information about a mental health networking program she is spearheading to help the ALS community.
Since 2019, The ALS Association Roundtable Program has provided a forum for candid, facilitated discussions that guide our strategy for ALS care, advocacy and research. Here are just a few examples of how Roundtable discussions have been turned into positive action for people living with ALS and their families.
Navigating ALS is a special series for newly diagnosed families. In our next session, we'll review the multidisciplinary care approach and its benefits for people living with ALS.
Lamar and Kristina Woody are a lot like any other busy, hard-working couple. They’re juggling careers, education and the day-to-day activities of their sassy and smart nine-year-old daughter, Natalie. Married for over twelve years, they love laughter, music and spending time with family and friends, living their life focused on love, friendship and positivity. They are also living with ALS.