ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Progress
The ALS Association Indiana Chapter offers comprehensive support for persons diagnosed with ALS, their families and caregivers cope with the day to day challenges of living with ALS by providing information, resources, and referrals to many sources.
Our Chapter's goal is to offer hope and support in all areas we serve . We're here for you! Contact us at 1-888-508-3232 or info@alsaindiana.org.
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For requests and questions about our Programs and Services, please contact our Care Services Team:
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Connie Simpson, MSW, LCSW
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Donna Casper, MSW, LCSW |
Philip Smaldino is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Ball State University and maintains an active research lab with his wife Dr. Melissa Smaldino. Phil and Melissa earned their Ph.D.’s at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina and both completed postdoctoral trainings at the University of Michigan. The Smaldino Lab primarily studies ‘knot-like’ DNA and RNA structures known as G-quadruplexes and a human enzyme, G4R1, which unties these knots. These studies have led the Smaldino Lab into the ALS field of research where a subset of ALS patients have a mutation in the C9ORF72 gene. This mutation results in an abnormal excess of G-quadruplex DNA and RNA that leads to neuronal toxicities.
The Smaldino Lab is grateful for the funding that the ALSA has provided to study the role of G4R1 in ALS. The goal of this work is to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this disease and ultimately contribute to the rational design of future ALS therapeutics.
Ball State is primarily an undergraduate institution, and an exceptional team of undergraduate and master students, all of which are Indiana residents, are conducting this work.
When Phil and Melissa are not thinking about the molecular world, they prefer to spend their time with their three children, Sophia-Noel (3), David (1.5), and newly born Michael (6 weeks), on their small hobby farm tending to their goats and garden, or spending time at their Church. Phil is a native of Buffalo, NY, while Melissa is a Muncie native.
The ALS Association multi-disciplinary ALS clinic provides high quality, comprehensive care for people with ALS and their families. The clinic is proud to carry The ALS Association certification as a Center of Excellence. The clinic provides access to numerous medical disciplines with expertise in ALS. Appointments are scheduled on Tuesdays. Dr. Robert Pascuzzi is the clinic medical director and the professional clinic team includes neurologists, a speech therapist, a respiratory therapist, occupational and physical therapists, a dietician, an orthotist, an equipment specialist, and a social worker.
The ALS Association Indiana Chapter also partners with the IU Health Neuroscience Center to host art experiential workshops throughout the year, which are intended to promote hope and encouragement to our families and caregivers through the medium of art. This workshop is all inclusive and is made fully accessible to all abilities. Learn more about our Certified Clinics here.
IU Health Neuroscience CenterPlease remember to bring your medical devices/equipment (bipap, Trilogy, AAC device- Dynavox) to clinic visits. Our clinicians can evaluate usage and make adjustments at clinic. Questions may be directed to Angi 317-963-7385.
Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center
The Indianapolis VA ALS Multidisciplinary Team offers specialized and experienced staff who are able to meet the unique and complex needs of both the individuals diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their family, and friends. Our goal is to provide individualized and holistic care that improves the quality of life of those impacted by ALS. Beginning with your initial visit, and throughout your ALS journey, our team will be available to provide compassionate care and support.
Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center
Donated and recycled durable medical equipment is available for loan to ALS patients, based on medical and financial need, and is free of charge. Our Equipment Loan Closet is sponsored and maintained by National Seating and Mobility.
Examples of items in our Loan Closet include:
The ALS Association Indiana Chapter uses donations of medical equipment and communication devices for those living with ALS that are uninsured or underinsured. In order for you to receive tax credit for the fair market value of donations thought to be greater than $5,000, you will need to have an appraisal performed by a licensed/certified appraiser and have a copy of the appraisal sent to us. Interested in identifying the value of your DME before donating it to The ALS Association Indiana Chapter? You can contact our Appraisal Partner, Douglas R. Krieser, ASA, FRICS with Valcon Partners, LTD to make that determination. He will provide you with the necessary information you need to submit to us. Download your DME Appraisal form here and send to DougK@valconpartners.com.
Douglas R. Krieser, ASA, FRICS
Valcon Partners, LTD, Managing Director
PHONE: 815-477-1000
EMAIL: DougK@valconpartners.com Top
**MUST BE A RESIDENT OF INDIANA TO QUALIFY FOR THIS GRANT**
The Indiana Chapter Grant Program assists Indiana families with expenses that are not traditionally covered by insurance such as private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and other assistance programs. It will cover, but is not limited to, nutritional assistance, emergency home care assistance (respite), durable medical expense assistance. For more information please contact your Care Services Coordinator.
*Approval of all grants will be based on available funds*
