On Saturday, September 14, more than 400 people from the ALS community around the state of Florida will gather at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando to listen to the top ALS researchers and experts to learn more about the latest developments in the search for a treatment and cure.  ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord, robbing it’s victims of the ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe, all while the brain remains completely intact. ALS has no known cause or cure. 

The ALS Association Florida Chapter will be hosting its Sixth Annual Hope and Help Symposium – a full day of informative sessions for people living with ALS, caregivers, and supporters of the ALS community.  The event will feature presentations from Dr. Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD, MS, professor of neurology at Duke and director of the Duke ALS Clinic, Dr. Merit Ester Cudkowicz, MD, Chief, Neurology Department, Director, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Director, Neurological Clinical Research Institute as well as doctors and researchers from the ALS Certified Centers of Excellence and Recognized Treatment Centers around the state. 

“Through our Symposiums, we continue to communicate the most up-to-date information about what is happening in the ALS community,” said Julie Niehoff, Director of Communications and Marketing for The ALS Association Florida Chapter.  “We want to educate everyone about the devastation Lou Gehrig’s Disease creates for those diagnosed – physically, emotionally, and financially – because the more the story is heard, the better chance we will have finding a treatment and a cure.” 

The Symposium provides a forum for the ALS community in the state of Florida to get together to discuss the latest in research, advocacy, and care, as well as the need to continue to build awareness and generate additional funding to help put an end to this disease.  This is a fantastic opportunity to get members together from all aspects of the ALS community: patients, caregivers, doctors, researchers, equipment specialists and more. 

What: The ALS Association Florida Chapter’s Sixth Annual HOPE and HELP SYMPOSIUM 

When: Saturday, September 14, 2019, 8:00am – 5:00pm 

Where:  Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 

Why:  To provide the latest information about ALS research, advocacy, and care opportunities to people living with ALS, their caregivers, and the ALS community in the state of Florida.  ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease. There is no known cause or cure for ALS.

About The ALS Association Florida Chapter:

The ALS Association Florida Chapter offers care to ALS patients living in Florida and funds research to find the cause and cure for ALS. We are part of a nationwide network of local ALS Association chapters with the same vision – a world without ALS. Through care, advocacy, research, education and support, we work to empower those with ALS to live fuller lives. Every year, The ALS Association invests millions of dollars in research conducted by the best and brightest scientists in the world. As the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS, we give help and hope to those facing a devastating disease.  For more information, visit: http://www.ALSAFL.org.