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Les Turner ALS Foundation

8142 N. Lawndale Avenue
Skokie, IL 60076
847-679-3311
888-ALS-1107 Toll-Free
847-679-9109 Fax
www.lesturnerals.org

Mission
The Les Turner ALS Foundation is the only independent publicly supported non-profit organization in the Chicago-area devoted solely to the treatment and elimination of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The Les Turner ALS Foundation's mission supports: Medical research into the cause, treatment and cure of ALS Clinical and support services for patients and families living with ALS Dissemination of information about the disease.

Facts and Statistics
Each day 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS; more than 5,600 Americans are diagnosed with ALS each year

ALS typically strikes adults between 40 and 70 years of age.

On average, people with ALS die within two to five years from diagnosis.

Although many of the symptoms of ALS are treatable, there is no cure. Current treatment is aimed at symptomatic relief, prevention of complications, and maintenance of maximum optimal function and quality of life.

ALS occurs throughout the world regardless of racial, ethnic or socioeconomic status.

ALS is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease for the famous New York Yankee's baseball player who died of ALS in 1941.

Health Tips
ALS strikes people in different ways and progression of the disease is often irregular. Some of the early symptoms of ALS are:
Weakness or difficulty in coordination in one limb
Changes in speaking or swallowing
Unusual muscle twitches, spasms, or cramps
Unusual weight loss or loss of muscle bulk

The diagnosis of ALS is a "clinical diagnosis," meaning there is no specific test that gives a definitive answer. Before a diagnosis of ALS is confirmed, many tests must be administered to rule out illnesses with symptoms that may mimic ALS. These may include an MRI of the brain or spinal cord, an electromyography (EMG) study of nerve and muscle function and a variety of blood and urine tests. By evaluating these tests, the patient's medical history and performing a complete neurological exam, the neurologist can usually reach a definitive diagnosis.

It is always recommended that patients seek a second opinion by a neurologist experienced with ALS in order to decrease the possibility of an incorrect diagnosis. In some cases a definitive diagnosis can be made only after several months of observation and retesting.

Fundraising & Administrative Percentage
13.3%

Testimonials
"I can assure you the benefit to the patient from the Les Turner ALS Foundation is the difference between living an educated, supported, best possible lifestyle instead of living with hopelessness, ignorance and fear. If you will, the difference between dying of ALS and living with ALS, believe me, it’s a big difference."
Ray Clayton, ALS patient