#strikeoutALS

I'm sure you've all seen the social media storm surrounding the 'ice bucket challenge' in order to spread the word of supporting the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association. It is honestly a brilliant way to reach people around the world. Creating this awareness is just one way to open peoples' eyes to this disease but with this post I plan on giving you an even bigger look into the ALS Association.

Some of you may not know what Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is. It is a motor neuron, neurodegenerative disease. It usually attacks both upper and lower motor neurons and causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord. Lou Gehrig first brought national and international attention to the disease in 1939 when he abruptly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. Most commonly, the disease strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.

I've been looking into ways to support the Massachusetts chapter since it is local but there are various chapters you can join. There are countless ways in which you can support The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter. Whether you choose to make a monetary gift, volunteer your time, or support one of our events, you will be making a difference among the entire ALS community.

Donations: It may not seem like much, but every bit helps. Your gift will help support research to find a cure for ALS and provide much needed services to patients and their families. By doing this you will help sustain hope in thousands of people affected by ALS.

Volunteer: Personally this is my favorite way to giveback. It is always nice to be involved in a community and show your support by physically participating. The contributions of volunteers are essential to the chapter achieving its mission. Each year, the association chapter participates in numerous fundraising and information-based opportunities throughout the Massachusetts area. These activities create a multitude of tasks with which volunteers can easily assist, including administrative work and mailings, helping at various events and with patient services.

Create Your Own Fundraiser: In addition to major events, the MA chapter is supported by a myriad of third party fundraisers across the entire state. Golf tournaments, casino nights, dinner parties and sporting events are just a few examples of how you can raise money to support the ALS mission. They believe any idea is a good idea, and their experienced fundraising team is there to assist you with anything along the way!

Shop Online through iGive.com: Every time you shop at any of 700+ online stores in the iGive network, a portion of the money you spend benefits The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter. Shop now and show your support!

In addition to these great opportunities to support the ALS Association, you can also create a name fund, donate your vehicle, setup planned giving or workplace giving, and contribute to the ALS Residence. You can find out more about these opportunities at the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter 'Get Involved' webpage.

Anyone who contributes to a cause in anyway will always inspire me to devour the details. So keep up the good work all you charitable souls out there! And I hope the ALS Association continues to thrive and progress in treating this disease.