pALS Newsletter - Spring 2023 |
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A Letter from David Darragh, Managing Director
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My first year as Managing Director of Team Gleason Foundation has been incredible.
With over 30 years of experience leading companies in the consumer packaged goods industry, this role presents an opportunity to give back and utilize my skill set in an organization that is mission-driven, purposeful, and passionate. Former Executive Director Paul Varisco left a significant legacy and big shoes to fill, and I am grateful to him for his mentorship and support as he continues to serve as our Chairman of the Board.
Our tireless work over the last 11 years has led Team Gleason to become the leading provider of technology and equipment for the ALS community across the country.
In the last year, Team Gleason has:
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Invested in our staff and infrastructure, growing to a full-time staff of 20 highly committed, passionate individuals
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Renewed existing partnerships and fostered new ones to advance innovative and cost-saving solutions
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Pushed policies that will require coverage of complex rehabilitation equipment, lowering or eliminating the cost of expensive equipment required by those with all neurodegenerative diseases
Though our team may be small, we remain steadfast in our mission to bring assistive technology, equipment, and robust support services into the hands of people living with ALS.
Thank you for continuing to place your trust in Team Gleason!
David Darragh, Team Gleason Managing Director
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Quantum Seat Elevator Testimonial
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"Here is my husband, Wes, in his Quantum motorized chair with lift provided by Team Gleason. It is a life changer— he can access sinks easily, speak with us at our level, and feel much more in control of his life with the chair lift. Thanks for the opportunity to expand his horizons. ALS is a challenge that we are dealing with daily, but your organization has made it easier for us to seem 'normal.' Bless you all." -Tammie P., cALS | Ann Arbor, MI
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Valerie Kiper Golf Tournament
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Shortly after her diagnosis, Valerie Kiper was connected with Team Gleason, where she completed Voice and Message banking. She and her husband, Jim, recently hosted the Inaugural Val Kiper ALS Golf Tournament benefitting Team Gleason in Amarillo, Texas. The tournament included 38 golf teams, 27 Sponsors, and 21 in-kind sponsors. The event grossed more than $76k and raised over $60k for Team Gleason Foundation.
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Help Team Gleason Innovate New Technology |
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(Left to Right) Blair Casey, Executive Director, Emily Kornman, Speech Language Pathologist, Daniel Vance, Lead Technology Specialist
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Ready for an opportunity to get involved and assist Team Gleason? Our Innovation Team is requesting feedback from individuals living with ALS to help us drive innovation based upon insight from the community.
Team Gleason's Innovation team works with different partners that focus on developing new products and improving their current products. We depend on our community to provide meaningful feedback on how to improve.
If you're interested in participating in this research, please complete the form below!
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Become a Letter Writer for Team Gleason | Tommy Culpepper, pALS Bentonville, AR
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Your Words Make an Impact!
We believe that sharing the perspective of those with ALS and their caregivers is the best way to reach our supporters and donors. We invite you to write a letter sharing your ALS or caregiving journey and the importance of supporting Team Gleason's program services.
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ALS Town Hall Live Webinar |
Hosted by the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI)
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The ALS Town Hall is a virtual discussion led by experts in the fields of research, patient advocacy, care, awareness building, and fundraising.
During this session, learn about the amazing work that different ALS organizations are doing. Team Gleason's Daniel Vance will be a guest speaker.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 | 3:00 - 4:00pm EDT
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Team Gleason Surprises Chiefs Superfan living with ALS with Superbowl LVII Tickets |
“We were selected as the family from Kansas City to represent Team Gleason at the Super Bowl. This is just crazy. What a whirlwind of a week," says Craig Fuchs of Basehor, Kansas. "We found out on Sunday, February 4th that we were going. After an intense week of planning, we were on our way. The trip was truly incredible in every way. We were able to experience the total vibe of the event since we were out there a couple of days early. We went to the NFL Experience and NFL Live area. Most importantly, we were able to meet the other two families [living with ALS] who were sent by Team Gleason. We did our best to take it all in."
Read all about Craig's Team Gleason Adventure to see his beloved Chiefs and see photos from Superbowl LVII!
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Adaptive Scuba Diving in Hawaii |
Team Gleason was thrilled to send Steve, a lifelong firefighter and rescue diver, to Hawaii for adaptive scuba diving and more!
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| Adventure to the Grand Canyon
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"The Baumann Family Adventure to the Grand Canyon exceeded our wildest dreams and was over and above our expectations!"
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Team Gleason Power Wheelchair Guide Powered by Numotion |
The Team Gleason Power Wheelchair Guide is focused on providing individuals living with ALS the information needed to feel empowered to advocate for themselves during the wheelchair evaluation and beyond. Pro Tips from the professionals at Numotion, Team Gleason's Preferred CRT Provider, can be found throughout this guide to assist those at any stage of mobility.
This guide will help an individual find the wheelchair that fits their unique needs and desires.
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Stay In Touch With Team Gleason
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Join our next Team Gleason Virtual Zoom Gathering for both those living with ALS and their caregivers. We are inviting everyone - no matter where you live! First Thursday of Every Month at 12pm CST.
Need Additional Support? *Please note, meetings below are now held on the second week of each month.
Second Wednesday of Each Month* | 8pm CST: A gathering focused on adult children of persons living with ALS
Second Thursday of Each Month* | 1pm CST: A gathering focused on caregivers of those living with ALS
We hope you can join us! If you would like to be invited to participate, please email kelly@teamgleason.org.
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| CHOOSE TO REUSE! To return or donate equipment please contact returns@teamgleason.org so we can best assist with the logistics of the return or donation.
If we are able to accept the donation then Team Gleason will email prepaid shipping labels for the boxes.
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