Grant Programs and Equipment Loans

The Les Turner ALS Foundation offers a variety of financial assistance to ALS patients and their families. This includes the Ralph Russo Patient and Family Services Grant Program, a respite care grant program, loan banks for augmentative communication devices and durable medical equipment, and the Stuart Rosen ALS Transportation Fund.

For more information, to apply, or for eligibility requirements on any of these programs, contact Claire Owen, Director of Patient Services, at cowen@lesturnerals.org or (847) 679-3311.

099.JPGThe Ralph Russo Patient and Family Services Grant Program

Supported by proceeds from the annual Reaching Out Around Ralph (ROAR) Golf Charity Classic, this program offers grants for the purchase or rental of necessary equipment and life needs, such as wheelchairs, ramps and bathroom adaptations. Grants are given based on need. (Pictured at left: Ralph and Laurie Russo. Ralph passed away in 2010 at the age of 59.)

Dan Nelson ALSDanandThea.jpeg Respite Fund

Sheila McCullough established this fund in 2012 to honor the memory of her husband Dan and his first caregiver, Thea. “Thea is Dan’s older sister and the reason I wanted to put this fund together.” The Fund is designed to provide grants for short-term respite care for families with limited resources. Respite care provides the primary caregiver with time away from their care duties. This promotes well-being for both the caregiver and person with ALS, and helps prevent caregiver burnout. Participants in the program also receive a visit from one of the Foundation’s ALS nurse consultants or social worker. (Pictured at right: Dan Nelson and his sister, Thea. Dan passed away from ALS in January 2012.)

Loan Banks for Communication and Medical Equipment

As ALS progresses, patients often need medical devices and equipment for comfort and independence. This includes augmentative communication devices and durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs. The Foundation maintains an inventory of new and donated equipment and communication devices. This equipment is intended for those needs not covered by insurance, for families awaiting insurance approval, or for those who would otherwise be unable to obtain it.

The Stuart Rosen ALS Transportation Fund

Created by family and friends of Stuart Rosen, this fund allows ALS patients and their families to arrange free, comfortable, reliable transportation to and from their clinic appointments at the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center. Stuart passed away in 2007 at the age of 69.