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Our Recent Headlines
Presentation by Dr. Gabriel Lasala with TCA Cellular Therapy
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given TCA Cellular Therapy, LLC (TCA-CT) the green light to conduct their Phase I adult stem cell clinical trials to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). This is the second FDA-approved protocol for the treatment of ALS using stem cells in the country; and the first using adult stem cells from the same patient. The aim of the Phase I study will assess safety.
TCA-CT currently has five FDA cardiovascular trials in progress utilizing adult stem cells, which has produced no adverse effects to date.
Medical Director and adult stem cell researcher, Gabriel Lasala, MD will discuss the upcoming trial at the local March ALS support group meetings in Covington on March 1 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in the Abita Room located at 1202 S. Tyler Stret, Baton Rouge on March 15 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Auditorium B located at 5000 Hennessy Blvd and New Orleans on March 16 at the Brent House Conference Room, Tyrone Room on second floor located at 1514 Jefferson Highway in Metairie. All three meetings start at 6:30PM.
Dr. Lasala has been involved with research since 1981. As a practicing cardiologist, Lasala’s interest in stem cells peaked when he learned of a successful case study performed by a group of German doctors several years ago treating heart conditions using stem cells. Dr. Lasala started to search for a world expert in stem cells. After trips to Germany, China and Chile, Dr Lasala had a meeting with Jose Minguell, PhD in Chile. Dr Lasala convinced him to come live in the United States and work for TCA-CT. At this time the United States did not have the level of expertise in stem cell research that Lasala was looking for.
Dr. Minguell, Ph.D. and a cell biologist had been researching adult stem cells for many years, and was until 2006, the director of the department of Cellular Therapy at the Universidad de Chile in Santiago. Dr. Lasala’s recruitment of Dr. Minguell was necessary in order to jump start adult stem cell research in the United States.
When Dr. Minguell arrived in Covington, he brought with him his US patent for isolating adult stem cells from bone marrow. The patent coupled with his knowledge of how to multiply the adult stem cells and utilize them in various medical applications, including cardiovascular, neurological, muscular, and skeletal have positioned this small privately-funded company into an emerging leader in adult stem cell therapies.
Below are local articles featuring Dr. Lasala. Please click on links to view articles.
Northshore Poised To Become Healthcare Tourist Mecca
Article by Rhonda Landry
Northshore Conifer/February 2010 issue/front page
Japanese crew produces documentary featuring Covington doctor’s research
Article by Debbie Glover
St. Tammany News/Sunday Feb. 7, 2010/front page
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The ALS Clinic at Our Lady of Lourdes Commemorates Two Year Anniversary with Ribbon Cutting
The ALS Multi-Disciplinary Clinic at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana commemorates its two year anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 8:00am in the Fitzsimons Auditorium located in the hospital. Speakers will include City-Parish President Joey Durel, and Dr. Leopold Dealvare, Medical Director of the ALS Clinic at Our Lady of Lourdes RMC.
Sponsored by The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, in partnership with Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, and directed by neurologist, Dr. Leopold DeAlvare, the clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) with symptomatic relief, prevention of complications and maintenance of optimal independence. It is the only multidisciplinary ALS clinic in the state of Louisiana. Persons with ALS (PALS) and family members are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this facility, because those that attend have shown to greatly benefit from the convenience of receiving the best available medical and therapeutic care for ALS in one location.
The clinic offers patients the opportunity to visit with an ALS specialty team and receive all of their medical and therapeutic care under one roof, and all in one day. This specialty team includes a Neurologist, Respiratory Therapist, Physical Therapist, Clinical Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Dietician, Neuro-Psychologist, Orthotist, Assistive Technology Specialist, Medical Equipment Specialist, Pulmonologist, Patient Service Liaison from The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, and a Gastroenterologist by consultation.
On the second Monday of each month the ALS Clinic team sees a maximum of twelve (12) patients, suggesting these patients return to the clinic every three months. Since its opening in March of 2008, the ALS Clinic has held 156 patient visits with PALS from Louisiana and 1 PALS from Mississippi, seeing a total of 71 different patients.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a progressive disease of the nervous system which can affect individuals of every background. It is estimated that 5,600 people are diagnosed with ALS annually in the United States. Symptoms include muscle stiffness and weakness, and may include difficulty with speech and swallowing. Patients are diagnosed through neurological testing and studying their medical history. Researchers are exploring the cause and cure of ALS at an accelerated pace. Promising new research gives hope for a treatment and a cure.
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Fire & Ice Gala 2010 with LSU Coach Paul Mainieri and Jenny Heroman as “FIRE KING and Ice Queen” a success!
BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri and Jenny Heroman served as the “Fire King and Ice Queen” for the first Fire & Ice Gala presented by Guaranty Broadcasting and Cajun Industries, to benefit the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter of The ALS Association.
The gala took place in Baton Rouge on Saturday, January 23 at the Louisiana State Museum raising over $29,000 for the organization to serve those diagnosed and affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Mainieri was selected as Fire King, not only for leading the LSU baseball team to the 2009 National Championship, but also for his continuous support of The ALS Association’s battle against Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Ice Queen Jenny Heroman was also honored for her dedication and support to The ALS Association and its patients.
The Fire & Ice Gala featured emcee and live auctioneer Bill Franques, The Voice of Alex Box Stadium and lively entertainment by Ned Fasullo and The Fabulous Big Band, a performance by Cangelosi Dance Project, a live auction, a silent auction, a raffle with for sapphire earrings donated by Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, food, beverages, and the opportunity to mingle with Fire King Mainieri and Ice Queen Heroman.
Funds raised through the Fire & Ice Gala are supporting The ALS Association’s mission: to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig’s disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. To fulfill this mission, The ALS Association funds research, publishes scientific findings, provides information and other patient services to Persons with ALS (PALS), their families, health professionals and the public. The Association is also actively involved in advocating for scientific research and for the rights of people with ALS.
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2010 Lou Gehrig Day at the Box
LSU vs. Arkansas
Saturday, March 20
Game starts at 3:00pm
We are excited to announce that the 4th Annual Lou Gehrig Day at the Box will be held at Alex Box Stadium on Saturday, March 20. LSU will play Arkansas with the game beginning at 3:00pm. The Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter will be handing out “Fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease” wristbands and stickers, while Coach Mainieri, LSU Baseball coaches and players will sport their red wristbands with us! LSU will post facts about ALS on the scoreboard. Please join us in helping the spread the awareness of ALS at this year's Lou Gehrig Day at the Box. To purchase tickets to this game visit www.lsusports.net or contact the LSU ticket office by calling 800.960.8587 or email tickets@lsu.edu. If you would like to volunteer to help staff with distributing chapter information, wristbands, or stickers, please contact Nicole at nicole.leglue@alsalams.org or 800.891.3746.
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Show your support of the New Orleans Hornets as they take on the Minnesota Wolves on April 11th and the chapter receives a portion of the ticket sales! Our goal is to sell 100 tickets!
Enjoy a Hornets game and help the fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease
The Hornets would like to offer YOU access to Hornets tickets for the Sun, Apr. 11 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 6pm at the New Orleans Arena.
A portion of each ticket purchased will be donated back to the ALS Association.
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Sunday, April 11 @ 6:00PM
New Orleans Arena
TICKETS:
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SEAT LOCATION
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YOU PAY
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WE’LL DONATE
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Balcony Corner
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$25
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$5
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Balcony Sideline
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$35
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$5
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Lower Bowl Club
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$173
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$35
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PURCHASE TICKETS NOW:
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1. CLICK HERE to access the offer - click "Find Tickets"
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2. Enter the special offer code ALS
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3. Create an account by entering your email address on the
right side of your screen
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4. Select the price level and number of tickets
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5. Review the seats you've selected
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6. You will receive a confirmation email with your tickets attached. Simply
print them out, and enjoy the game!
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Buzz Fest presented by
4:30 - 5:45pm
Buzz Fest pre-game block party presented by Zatarain's takes place on Girod Street in front of the Arena and includes live music, $1 beer, food, interactive games and inflatables for the kids, appearances by Hugo and the Honeybees, and much more.
Questions or Comments? Contact:
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The Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter welcomes new Patient Services Director, Renee Lowery
Due to the chapter’s expansion into Mississippi, we found the need to hire a Patient Services Director to assist with the needs of our PALS in the state.
Renee is originally from Mize, MS and graduated from Ole Miss with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Jackson State University with a Master’s degree in Counseling. She spent 16 years in healthcare, predominantly in psychiatric hospitals until 4 years ago. Renee moved to Dallas to teach Psychology at a small private college and then moved on to work for The ALS Association, North Texas Chapter.
Renee is delighted to be home and do what she loves. She stated, “It is truly a blessing to be able to do what I do each day. Thank you all for the warm welcome! Please let me know how I can help!”
Renee can be reached by email at renee.lowery@alsalams.org or by phone at 601.209.8184 or 800.891.3746.
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Visit Dr. Vick's LA Medical Spa in Baton Rouge & a portion of your services will benefit the chapter
The Chapter will receive $40 from every patient procedure that is referred to the spa by our organization. For information about their services, please call 225.767.2686 or visit www.drvickslamedicalspa.com.
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The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter announces winners of the annual 4th Grade Essay Contest held during May- ALS Awareness Month
The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter's Education and Awareness Committee hosted the fourth annual statewide essay contest for 4th Graders as part of May's ALS Awareness Month. The students were encouraged to write their thoughts on exactly why Lou Gehrig considered himself the luckiest man.
We had 319 entrants participate from 31 different schools in Louisiana. Essay reading volunteer, Debbie Amos, read all the essays and the chapter has chosen a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner.
Winners
First Place: Brittney Leann Coleman, Quitman High School
Second Place: Macen Pace, Stanley High School
Third Place: Madisen Seaux, Assembly Christian School
Each of these winners’ attended the Louisiana Legislative Session on Wednesday, May 27 for ALS Advocacy Day. Senator Michael Michot presented the three winners with certificates in front of the Louisiana Senate. The winners' classrooms will also received a pizza party.
Legendary New York Yankee Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in the prime of his record-setting baseball career. Through it all, Gehrig presented a public face of courage, perseverance and humility. The winning essays highlighted both Gehrig and the disease, which ultimately became known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter thanks each and every school, teacher, and student that participated in this year’s essay contest! The following schools participated: Mermentau Elementary, West St. John Elementary, Creswell Elementary School, Natchitoches Magnet School, Central Elementary-Gonzales, Krotz Springs Elementary, Cankton Elementary, Erath Middle School, Metairie Park Country Day School, Assembly Christian School, NOrth DeSoto Elementary School, St. Gerard Majella Elementary, Saint Joseph Catholic School, St. Anthony of Padua School, Bayou Chicot, Leonville Elementary School, Melville Elementary, North Crowley Elementary, Richardson Elementary, Our Lady Queen Heaven School, Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies, Stanley High School, Quitman High School, Joe Davies Elementary School, St. Anges Elementary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Sillman Institute, Grand Prairie Elementary, J.F. Gauthier Elementary, Central Elementary - Calhoun, Estelle Elementary.
And a special thanks to Debbie Amos who volunteered her time to read our essays and judge the contest!
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2008 Baton Rouge Walk to Defeat ALS
The ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Association Louisiana Chapter held the 2008 Walk to Defeat ALS in Baton Rouge on Saturday, October 4 at the LSU Veterinary School. Host of the Around Town Show Jenny Heroman, served as emcee, while LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri gave a kick-off speech going in to detail on Lou Gehrig and how he jumpstarted the awareness of ALS. Also in attendance was Jeff Jenkins, President of Commercial, State and Local Infrastructure at The Shaw Group, Inc and this year’s Corporate Recruitment Chair.
 Twenty eight teams and over 600 walkers joined in on the day’s festivities, raising over $90,000 to date for the cause. Vida Trio provided musical entertainment, and there was face painting for the little ones. Complimentary food and beverages were available to attendees. The walk was open to the public and all funds raised were donated to The ALS Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding the cause and cure of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. To learn more about the Walk to Defeat ALS™, and how to become a volunteer, call toll free: 800.891.3746 or visit http://www.alsalouisiana.org/.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a devastating and always fatal neuromuscular disease. Unless a cure is found, over 30,000 Americans living today will die from ALS. The financial cost to families of persons with ALS can be up to $200,000 per year, depleting entire savings of relatives and patients.
Team's included Allian Alliance, BRG ALS Walkers, Carelton, Dunlap, Olinde, Moore, & Bohman, Chi Omega, Chief Ragan's Responders, Christy's Gang, Ema's Team, Gabby's Gang, HIKE, Leonard Hart's Hospice Feet, Lo's Legs, LPFA/Lela, LSU Baseball Team, LSU Softball Team, Magic Moods, Marily's Miracle Marchers, Marshall, OLOL PA Program, Phi Delta Theta, Pitkin's Parade, Poppie's Full House, Ron's Rowdies, Team Bengal, Team LeBlanc, Team Shaw, The Dollymamas, The Inspirationals, The Sweet Peas, Tim's Tails, TOPCOR, Val's VIPS, Wright Stuff. With Pitkin's Parade winning the Stuffed T-Shirt Contest and also being the top fundraising team raising over $19,000!
This year’s sponsors include The Shaw Group, Inc., Cajun Industries, LLC, The Advocate, Hunter Buildings, Georgia Pacific, The Newtron Group, Custom Health Care, Carleton Dunlap Olinde Moore & Bohman, LLC, Wright & Percy Insurance, Amedisys, 84 Lumber Company, ETEC, TOPCOR, Oats & Hudson, Camp Dresser & Mckee, Inc, Associated Grocers, Stone Energy, The Boo Grigsby Foundation, Valero St Charles Refinery, Lemle & Keller, LLP, KPMG LLP, Pelican Pages Ascension & Livingston Parish, The Cypress Group, Group Insurance, Inc, Stun Design, The NeuroMedical Center, Advantous Consulting, PODS, Mockler Beverage Company, Lindsey’s Entertainment, Embassy Suites, The Around Town Show, Baton Rouge Coca-Cola, Public Service Commissioner Jimmy Field, Flowcor Products, Inc and Kleinpeter Farms Dairy.
The Louisiana Chapter would like to thank all of the food sponsors: Lindsey's Entertainment, Around Town, Manada Fine Meats, Subway, Serranos Salsa Company, Portabello's Grill, Sam's Club, Krispy Kreme, Whole Foods, Serop's Cafe, and La Carreta. The Chapter is also grateful to Mr. Donny Schittone, Mr. Jim Fletcher, and the Coratana Kiwanis Club for cooking jambalaya for everyone.
The chapter appreciates the continued support and commitment of the walk committee volunteers listed below. A special thanks to Dawn & Greg Pitkin for being the 2008 Family Team Chair for the annual Walk to Defeat ALS! We appreciate our volunteers generously giving of their time and talents to assist with making the 2008 Walk to Defeat ALS the most successful to date. Walk Committee members included Casey Fletcher, Jamie Craig, Pat Sibille, Connie Steward, Michelle Vannoy, Karla Coreil, Lauren Davezac, Ashley Dawson, Jamie Weidman, Vanessa Richard, Jennifer Hatch, Mike Franklin, Dawn & Greg Pitkin
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New Orleans Walk to Defeat ALS raised over $30,000 - and still counting
 The Louisiana Chapter held its annual Walk to Defeat ALS in New Orleans on Saturday, September 20, at Zephyrs Field. Supporters formed walk teams and raised funds through grass roots fundraisers such as raffles, online donations, letter writing campaigns, etc. The Walk included 11 walk teams, with 250 walkers, who raised over $30,000.
We would like to recognize and thank our New Orleans Walk Teams for their support: "Cure"-ious George, Beth's Brigade; Billy's Buckaroos, BowKoo Faith, Doves in Flight, Krewe of Katherine, Mitzi's Miracle Makers Part Duo, Paula's People, Paw-Paw's Peeps, Team Irene, The Fighting Farralds, Todd's M&M's, and Victor's Team.
Also, a special thanks goes out to our food sponsors: Serranos Salsa Company, Krispy Kreme and Coca-Cola or New Orleans.
The ALS Association is funded solely by donations and all services to patients are offered free of charge. This year’s sponsors include The Shaw Group, Inc., Cajun Industries, LLC, The Advocate, Hunter Buildings, Georgia Pacific, The Newtron Group, Custom Health Care, Carleton Dunlap Olinde Moore & Bohman, LLC, Wright & Percy Insurance, Amedisys, 84 Lumber Company, ETEC, TOPCOR, Oats & Hudson, Camp Dresser & Mckee, Inc, Associated Grocers, The Boo Grigsby Foundation, Valero St Charles Refinery, Lemle & Keller, LLP, KPMG LLP, Pelican Pages Ascension & Livingston Parish, The Cypress Group, Group Insurance, Inc, Stun Design, The NeuroMedical Center, Advantous Consulting, Mockler Beverage Company, Lindsey’s Entertainment, Embassy Suites, The Around Town Show, Baton Rouge Coca-Cola, Public Service Commissioner Jimmy Field, Flowcor Products, Inc and Kleinpeter Farms Dairy.
To view all photos from this event click on the link below.
2008 New Orleans Walk to Defeat ALS
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2008 Petals & Pearls Lafayette raises funds for The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter’s local patient services
 On Saturday, July 19 2008 The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association Louisiana Chapter held its summer fundraiser Petals and Pearls in Baton Rouge at River Oaks. Thirty or so guests enjoyed a luncheon, featuring a Pearl Fashion Show and guest speaker Marrietta Zeringue of Paul’s Jewelry. They also attended a flower arranging class given by Leonard DeRouen of Roy-Al Flowers and Gifts, which provided ladies a flower arrangement of their own creation to take home.
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New Orleans Zephyrs help raise awareness and funds at 4th Annual Celebrity Luncheon at Serrano's
On Monday, June 23, 2008 The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association Louisiana Chapter a nd the New Orleans Zephyrs teamed up for to present the Fourth Annual Celebrity Luncheon to benefit The Louisiana Chapter. Zephyr players, managers, coaches and administrations participated in the luncheon as Celebrity Waiters, greeting, seating and serving guests. The luncheon took place from 11:30am-2:30pm at the New Orleans Serrano’s Salsa Company located on Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named for the baseball great that died of the disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and can strike anyone. Every day 15 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS. Every 90 minutes an ALS patient dies.
“The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter is honored to be on Minor League Baseball’s distinguished roster of organizations that provide benefits to so many people in America,” Kelly Hutson Viator, executive director of the Louisiana Chapter, said. “Our organizations play a major role in increasing public awareness about Lou Gehrig’s disease in the effort to provide more funding for patient services and research.”
The Zephyrs team sold over 300 raffle tickets for an autographed Curt Schilling baseball. Proceeds from the event, generated by the celebrity waiters’ gratuity and raffle ticket sales, will support local services for patients with ALS.
The event is part of a longstanding relationship between America’s favorite pastime and The ALS Association, and represents Minor League Baseball’s overall commitment to helping bring awareness to ALS.
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2008 Petals & Pearls Baton Rouge raised over $6,000 for The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter’s local patient services
 On Saturday, June7 2008,The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association Louisiana Chapter held its annual summer fundraiser Petals and Pearls in Baton Rouge at De La Ronde Hall. Fifty or so guests enjoyed a luncheon, featuring a Pearl Fashion Show and guest speakers Anne Arceneaux and Pat McKnight from The Gilded Lily. Attendees also purchased items presented by The Gilded Lily with fifteen percent of the sales going to The ALS Association. They also attended a flower arranging class given by Casey Johnson of Bloom, Inc (Flowers by Jimmy Thomas), which provided ladies a flower arrangement of their own creation to take home.
Throughout the event guests bid on silent auction items including artwork by local artist, gift certificates and gifts from local merchants, and a Les Miles autographed National BCS Championship football. The funds from ticket sales, silent auction items, and sponsorships amount to over $6,000, which will support local patient services. Sponsors of the event were Signature Title, Finley Construction and Hunter Buildings.
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Valerie Myers, Board President, Nominee for 2008 LANO Heroines Awards
On May 15, 2008, LANO hosted the annual LANO Heroine Awards at the Hilton Capitol Center in downtown Baton Rouge. There LANO honored this year's 12 winners. Baton Rouge television personality Pamela Matassa was the guest speaker for the event, and WAFB-TV's Kellee Hennessy served as the emcee. Valerie Myers, the Board President for The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter was recognized as a nominee.
Congratulations to our Board President, Valerie Myers, for becoming a National Chapter Trustee of The ALS Association. Valerie was voted as a Trustee by fellow board presidents from other chapters at the The ALS Association National Conference in January, held in Newport Beach, California.
The role of the National Chapter Trustee is to be a conduit between the National Board and the volunteer leadership of the chapters. National Chapter Trustees serve as liaisons from the field to the national organization and are representative of chapter perspectives on organization-wide decisions affecting chapters.
We are honored and excited to have Valerie serve as a National Chapter Trustee, and know she will do an amazing job! Congratulations Val!
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Louisiana ALS Advocates visit their Representatives and Senators at National ALS Advocacy Conference at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
ALS Advocates from all areas of the United States attended the 2008 National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC from May 11-13. The conference included a family barbeque on Mother’s Day, the annual Candlelight Vigil in the Ballroom of The Renaissance Hotel, breakout sessions including advocacy training and policy updates, and meetings on Capitol Hill. Through these meetings with Members of Congress from across the country, advocates told their ALS stories and edcated Congress on significant advances in the fight for a treatment and cure. 
In attendance from The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter (pictured with Congressman Boustany from left to right) were Patient Services Specialist Dora Couret, PALS (person with ALS) Niki McWilliams, Mike Franklin, Executive Director Kelly Viator. Michelle Vannoy of Louisiana and PALS Billy Dyle with wife his Cindy from Mississippi also attended. Overall there were more than 500 people at roll call for the conference with a little over 100 PALS.
The crew from Louisiana met with all offices: seven representatives, and two senators.
The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter also took part in several state focused activities. As part of Louisiana’s ALS Awareness Month activities, the chapter again celebrated at the Louisiana State Capitol on Wednesday, May 7th, from 12p.m.-4p.m. Staff, PALS and family members met with their State Representatives and Senators. Senator Michael Michot read a proclamation on the Senate Floor declaring May as ALS Awareness Month in Louisiana and too presented the winners of the chapter’s Third Annual Statewide Fifth Grade Essay Contest. Afterwards The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter hosted an Open House from 4:30p.m.-6:00p.m. for persons to visit its operations.
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The Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation awards grant The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter
Today the ALS Association Louisiana Chapter received a grant issued by the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation. The funds awarded from this grant will go toward a salary for a second Patient Services Specialist. This position is much needed. The organization is currently providing services for 108 persons with ALS (PALS) and their families with only one Patient Services Specialist, Dora Couret. To best serve patients, a specialist would serve a maximum of 50 patients.
The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter is thrilled that the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation chose to support this position during the May grant cycle.
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The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter announces winners of the annual 5th Grade Essay Contest held during May- ALS Awareness Month
 The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter's Education and Awareness Committee hosted the third annual statewide essay contest for 5th Graders as part of May's ALS Awareness Month. The students were encouraged to write their thoughts on exactly why Lou Gehrig considered himself the luckiest man.
We had 373 entrants participate from 28 different schools in Louisiana. The committee, along with other essay reading volunteers, read all the essays and the chapter has chosen a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner. Click on the student's name to read his/her essay. (pictured from left to right, third place, second place and first place.)
Winners
First Place: Laura Ahrens, Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau
Second Place: Emily Winter, Home School
Third Place: Merrin Costantini, Sacred Heart Norco
Each of these winners’ attended the Louisiana Legislative Session on Wednesday, May 7 for ALS Advocacy Day. Senator Michael Michot presented the three winners with certificates in front of the Louisiana Senate. The winners' classrooms will also receive a pizza party.
Legendary New York Yankee Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in the prime of his record-setting baseball career. Through it all, Gehrig presented a public face of courage, perseverance and humility. The winning essays highlighted both Gehrig and the disease, which ultimately became known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter thanks each and every school, teacher, and student that participated in this year’s essay contest! The following schools participated: Academy of the Sacred Heart (New Orleans), Academy of Sacred Heart (Grand Coteau), Alexandria Country Day, Baldwin Elementary, Central Private School, Cherokee Elementary, Epiphany Day School, Gauthier Elementary, Gentilly Terrace School, Holy Ghost School, Homer Elementary School, Jefferson Terrace Elementary School, Martha Vinyard Elementary, North Bayou Rapides Elementary School, Oak Forest Academy, Paradise Elementary, Peabody Montessori Elementary, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School, Ruby Wise, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Anthony of Padua School, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, St. Mary Nativity School, Northside Elementary.
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New Orleans Zephyrs Partner Strike Out ALS
On Saturday, May 24, 2008 The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association Louisiana Chapter and the New Orleans Zephyrs will team up for the fourth year this spring to promote awareness and help support local patient services with the “Strike out ALS” fundraiser. The event will be held in conjunction with the Zephyrs vs. Albuquerque Isotopes home game, beginning at 6pm, located at Zephyr Field in Metairie, LA.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named for the baseball great that died of the disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and can strike anyone. Every day 15 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS. Every 90 minutes an ALS patient dies.
“The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter is honored to be on Minor League Baseball’s distinguished roster of organizations that provide benefits to so many people in America,” Kelly Hutson Viator, executive director of the Louisiana Chapter, said. “Our organizations play a major role in increasing public awareness about Lou Gehrig’s disease in the effort to provide more funding for patient services and research.”
Individuals and companies are invited to contribute by purchasing tickets and investing in corporate sponsorships. Tickets may be purchased for ten dollars directly from The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter’s website http://www.alsalouisiana.org/, or by calling the office at 225.343.9880. Proceeds from the event will support local services for patients with ALS. The Chapter will also be conducting giveaways and raffle for an official autographed Curt Schilling Boston Red Sox Baseball throughout the game.
To purchase tickets visit our Event Calendar.
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A Special Thank You to Ms. Godley's third grade class and the 4-H students at Oak Grove Primary in Prairieville, LA. These students made Easter Cards and sent them to all of our Chapter's PALS.
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The ALS Clinic at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center - Louisiana’s First Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic
The ALS Clinic at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center is located in Lafayette at 611 St. Landry Street, and began providing services to those diagnosed with the disease on March 10, 2008. The clinic represents the latest effort by The ALS Association Louisiana Chapter’s patient services department to help improve the lives and provide support for patients and families living with ALS. Click Here for more information.
Elderly & Disabled Adult Waiver: What are the qualifications?
Niki McWilliams and Patti Gayle, patients affiliated with The Louisiana Chapter of the ALS Association, testified before the House Appropriations Committee in May 2007. From their efforts, the Louisiana legislature designated 150 disease-specific slots for ALS on the Elderly & Disabled Adult (EDA) Waiver. The EDA Waiver is a program that provides support enabling a person to stay in their home. There are specific qualifications for the EDA Waiver including income limits. According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Fact Sheet, individuals qualify if:
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income limits are $1,911 per month for an individual”
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individuals age 21-64 who are disabled according to Medicaid standards or according to SSI disability criteria; meet Medicaid financial eligibility; meet the requirements for admission to a nursing facility and meet the imminent risk criteria”
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DHH does not consider a spouse’s income for qualification purpose.
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DHH does not include a person’s home or car used for medical transportation as a resource (asset).
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Asset limits The EDA Waiver program offers a variety of services that include respite care, home modifications, personal care services and full Medicaid benefits including durable medical equipment, hospitalization, and physician care. According to the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals’ web site, the program provides a support coordinator who informs the patient and caregiver of available services offered through the program and monitors the services that are provided to the patient. Approved home modifications through the program include ramps, lifts, and modifications or additions to bathroom facilities. DHH defines companion services as “services that include care, supervision, and socialization provided to a functionally impaired participant provided during the day or night.”
Please contact the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals at 800.364.7828 or Dora Couret with The ALS Association if you should have any questions about the EDA Waiver application process or the services that the waiver provides.
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Golf Tournament at Fennwood Hills Country Club in Zachary raises $3,300 for the Louisiana Chapter's Local Patient Services
Throughout the event guests bid on silent auction items including artwork by local artist, gift certificates and gifts from local merchants, and a Les Miles autographed National BCS Championship football. The funds raised through ticket sales and silent auction items will support local patient services.
On Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24 2008, a golf tournament held at Fennwood Country Club in Zachary, raised $3,300 for our local patient services. Over 30 teams played in a 2-man team/4-ball golf tournament, and enjoyed a dinner and Calcutta on Saturday evening. Also on Saturday, the winner of a putting contest won a set of new golf clubs.
Sponsors of the tournament included: Emerson Process Management; Screening Systems International; Lane Regional Medical Center; Dennis Pennington, Attorney-at-Law; Cibbs, Inc; Crown Financial Services, Inc; TNT Liquor; and Regions Bank.
The tournament was in honor of PALS (Persons with ALS) S.J. Hotard, Greg Pitkin and Cleve David.
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Fourth Annual Symposium held at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette
The Louisiana Chapter held its Fourth Annual Educational Symposium educates on Friday, August 22 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette. The symposium included multiple guest speakers who educated medical professionals, patients and family members on Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Dr. John P. "Jack" McNulty spoke on the importance of use of Palliative Care with and ALS patient, while Terry Singer and Dawn Pitkin went through the steps and gave some helpful hints on purchasing a wheel chair accessible vehicle. Members of the Social Security Administration covered the process of applying for qualifying for services that both Medicaid and Medicare provide.
Featured speaker Catherine Lomen-Hoerth, M.D., Ph.D., an Associate Professor of the Clincal Neurology Department at the School of Medicine's ALS Center at the University of California in San Francisco, educated guests on the most updated research on ALS, including trial studies, laboratory findings, FTD (Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia), and Treat ALS (using drugs already approved by the FDA for the treatment of ALS).
Finally a panel of ALS experts answered any questions the audience had. The panel included the following persons: Neurologists, Dr. Leo deAlvare; Pulmonologists, Dr. William Erwin; Medical Director with The Palliative Care Institute of Southeast Louisiana, Dr. Jack McNulty; Respiratory Therapist, Doug Green; Dietician, Amy Courville; Physical Therapist, Cecile Picou; Speech Language Pathologist, Alison Brasseaux; Social Worker, Juliet Granger; and Certified Rehab Vendor with Custom Healthcare, Lynn Serio.
If you were not able to attend the Symposium and would like a DVD featuring the presentations given at it, call us at 1.800.891.3746 or email info@alsalouisiana.org.
Lafayette's Cornerstone Dance Theatre raises over $3,500 for the Louisiana Chapter with performance and gala
The Cornerstone Dance Theatre (CDT) performance of “Manic Suppression” energized the UL stage with its powerful combination of art forms on Sunday, September 21. Talents like Jazmyn Harmon and guest dancer Keith Fitzpatrick took command of the stage as they performed their duet Hip Hop number that began and ended under a black shroud. Courtney “Bear” Escoyne partnered with Joshua Hart radiated with a classical symmetry that took theatergoers’ breaths away. The performance included twelve isolated routines that reached the extremes in dance genre. Diversity concurrently defined the dancers, who ranged from the very young to near 60 years in age, as in a modern piece that captured the story of creation. “X’sss,” performed by Xavier Josheph Alcalá-Herrera, brought a taste of Broadway with this tap number in tuxedo.
 Dance and the visual arts combined for a spellbinding finale that transformed the flashing black and white theme to a mélange of color abstracts that engulfed what began as a strikingly white stage. Seven canvasses where painted before the eyes of the audience with the creative talents of UL artists Terree Tisdale, Alyce Labry and Bonnie Como of Visions Gallery, as well as the dancers, themselves.
These art creations provided the centerpiece of a silent auction that generated over $3,500 to support our organization and its services.
The show was dedicated to Niki McWilliams, a young Lafayette mother who was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) shortly after the birth of her daughter. Wheelchair-bound McWilliams attended the show and the gala event with her mother, Dora Couret, her husband, Mike, and daughter, Makenzi, by her side.
CDT strives to provide the absolute educational doorway into the world of dance for the Acadiana area whether by way of college or company life as a dancer. As Lafayette’s newest non-profit dance company, it aims to produce blockbuster performances that go beyond the love of dance to provide aid and awareness to community needs. According to director Joshua Hart, CDT is already planning two new benefit productions for the upcoming year, which will include another ALS benefit next fall. Commenting on “Manic Suppression,” Hart said, “Everything in the show just came together so well once I released control and turned it over to God. After that, everything fell into place. The show took on a life of its own and the personal freedom I experienced provides a lesson I plan to remember. Everyone who participated takes a piece of this success.”
To learn more about Cornerstone Dance Theatre and “Manic Suppression,” call 269-8800 or write: CDT, 116 Luke Street, Lafayette 70506.
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The Louisiana Chapter welcomes new Patient Services Specialist, Brandy DeWitt
 Due to the rapidly growing number of PALS that are receiving services from our Chapter, we found the need to hire an additional Patient Services Specialist. Thanks to funds awarded to the Louisiana Chapter by the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, we were able to hire Brandy DeWitt to work with Dora Couret in serving our patients and families.
Brandy is originally from the West Coast (Oregon) and has been in Louisiana since mid September. She has a daughter NaShowda (11), and twin five year old sons named Brayden and Tanner. Brandy has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Services with a Social Work specialization. Prior to moving to Louisiana and working for the ALS Association, she worked for the Department of Social Services as a Domesic Violence Social Worker and with the Veterans Association as a Case Manager for recently seperated and homeless veterans to rehabilitate themselves.
We are more than excited to introduce you to Ms. Brandy DeWitt!
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During the month of November the Louisiana Chapter was awarded several grants from multiple foundations. For the third year in a row, the William Edwin Montan Charitable Trust, a segment of Capital One, granted our Chapter funds to support the Respite Care Program. For the second time this year we received funds from the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, which was also donated in support of the Respite Care Program. Thanks to the E.J. and Marjory B. Ourso Foundation, we are in the process of starting a new service titled Kids Care Program. This program is a means to educate children on the subject of Lou Gehrig’s Disease in an age appropriate manner, and also provide an avenue for children to emotionally support each other through a pen-pal system. We look to start the program by the end of December. Lastly, we received a grant from the Sam’s Club Foundation to assist in funding both the Respite Care Program and our monthly support group meetings.
The Louisiana Chapter would like to publicly thank each of these foundations for their support in providing much needed patient services to our Louisiana PALS and families. We could not continue to provide these services or increase the variety of services we offer without this support.
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Thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana for supporting the Respite Care Program
The Louisiana Chapter would like to give a special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana for supporting our Respite Care Program through grant funds. We greatly appreciate the companies support in our efforts to provide respite hours to our families. This is the second time in the past year that the company has granted the Chapter funds for the Respite Care Program, and it also is a long time supporter of the Walk to Defeat ALS™. Thank you Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana!
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"Commitment to a Cure" Reseach Update featured presentation by Dr. Lucie Bruijn, and honoring One Year Anniversary of ALS Clinic
 On Thursday, March 19, the Louisiana Chapter held “Commitment to a Cure” Research Update, featuring a presentation by Dr. Lucie Bruijn, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at the national office of The ALS Association. We would like to thank Dr. Bruijn for making the trip to Baton Rouge, and educating our families and supporters on the latest findings and projects in ALS research. We would also like to thank Dr. deAlvare and the entire ALS Clinic team at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette for their hard work in making the first year of the ALS Clinic a success! Dr. Leopold deAlvare, Medical Director for the ALS Clinic, and the entire team of the clinic was presented with a plaque in honor of its first anniversary. Additionally, Board Vice President Katy Brown was recognized as 2008 Board Member of the Year for her contributions, which go above and beyond the call of duty.
deAlvare and Bruijn
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The ALS Association Louisiana/Mississippi Chapter
