Les Turner ALS Foundation

The Les Turner ALS Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Chicago that provides ALS patient services; supports events, education and awareness about ALS; and funds ALS research.^[1] Since it was founded, the Foundation has raised more than $64 million.^[2]

History and Programs

The Foundation was founded by Les Turner, a Chicago businessman, and his family after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 1976.^[3] Les Turner serves nearly 90 percent of ALS patients in the Chicago metropolitan area.^[4]

In 1979, the Les Turner ALS Research Laboratory was opened at Northwestern Medicine. Then, in 1986, the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic was opened at Northwestern to provide patient services. It was one of the first multidisciplinary ALS clinics opened in the United States.^[3][5]

In 1983, the Foundation started patient support groups.^[6]

In 1992, Les Turner ALS became a founding member of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations.^[6]

In 2002, the Foundation's main event, the ALS Walk for Life was started.^[6][7]

In 2014, the Les Turner ALS Research and Patient Center at Northwestern Medicine was created to "accelerate research and advance patient care". The Center was opened in addition to the continual operation of three research laboratories and the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic.^[8]

In 2015, Les Turner ALS released the campaign, "Freeze ALS", along with 12 ice sculptures around Chicago for ALS Awareness Month.^[9][10]

References

Further reading

• Les Turner ALS Foundation honors Wendy Abrams
• Les Turner ALS Foundation to honor Westchester man battling ALS

External links

• Website
• Les Turner ALS Research and Patient Center at Northwestern Medicine