Holiday Media Tips from The ALS Association.

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- The following news and feature story leads are designed to assist the news media with crafting stories involving ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Just in Time for the Holidays

Family and volunteer caregivers can make the holidays more enjoyable for people with ALS by utilizing Lotsa Helping Hands, the online caregivers service. Caregivers can communicate with other caregivers in a seamless manner, which can improve the quality of life for everyone. Can someone fighting a fatal disease and caregivers still enjoy the holidays? What do family and volunteer caregivers actually do to make the holidays as happy as possible for ALS patients? What is a holiday for someone with ALS really like?

Traveling with ALS

People with Lou Gehrig's disease often encounter difficulties when they travel. With a little incentive, a lot of planning and some technological assistance, patients and their families can journey anywhere. How much preparation is needed for patients and caregivers to travel? How early in advance should they begin planning a trip? What devices enable patients and their families to tour long distances? What amenities should a patient request for a hotel room?

Genetic Clues May Lead to Cause of ALS

The ALS Association along with Packard Center for ALS Research at John Hopkins and the National Institutes of Health are now supporting research into which genes and environmental factors may be involved in causing ALS that does not run in families and is referred to as sporadic ALS. To arrange an interview on The Association's comprehensive research program, contact Gary Wosk at [phone].

New Walk to D'Feet ALS Season to Be Launched

The Association's national signature fundraising event, the Walk to D'Feet ALS[R], is growing. The scientific world is a step closer to finding a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease because of the people who support and participate in the 146 Walks held in the United States. Why is the Walk popular? Why are more corporate sponsors becoming interested in the Walk? How much is the Walk expected to grow? What makes the Walk different than other similar non-profit fundraisers? Who is the person behind the scenes taking the Walk to the next level?