An ALS diagnosis is u devastating to individuals and their families. What follows is a day-to-day struggle to improve one’s quality of life by finding the best possible care and support services. The ALS & MS Boston Walk for Living, which will be held on Sunday, October 1 in Chelsea, addresses this issue by helping people currently living with ALS and MS.
This year,Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) for the two-mile Boston Walk for Living. Both of these non-profit organizations help individuals with ALS & MS live life to the fullest, every single day. CCALS offers individualized support services for individuals diagnosed with ALS, their caregivers, and their families. CJL operates the Leonard Florence Center for Living (LFCL), which cares for more individuals with ALS than any other place in the world.
The joint partnership makes sense on so many levels. “We are so pleased to collaborate with CCALS on this year’s walk,” said Barry Berman, CEO Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “Our missions are very similar. We both provide compassionate and loving care to those in need while focusing upon improving quality of life.”
The LFCL is the country’s first urban model Green House® skilled nursing facility, the Center cares for 30 individuals living with ALS and MS. Residents, many of whom are completely immobilized, are able to live independently by controlling the lights, turning on the TV, opening doors and raising window shades—all with help of a computer and a sensor that tracks head and eye movements for instruction. CCALS has been instrumental in helping individuals navigate the complicated logistical and emotional considerations that typically follow an ALS diagnosis. The organization provides essential resources including equipment, educational workshops, Medicare/Medicaid assistance, guidance and awareness in living with ALS, care giving, and end-of-life issues.
“Novel technology and compassionate care are trademarks of both organizations,” states Ron Hoffman, CCALS Founder and Executive Director. “We are excited to partner with Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. ALS never shows up quite the same for any two people and every situation is different. “
The Boston Walk for Living will take place on Sunday, October 1 at 10am at 165 Captains Row on Admirals Hill; registration begins at 8am. Beloved radio personality Matt Siegel, host of “Matty in the Morning” on KISS 108 will once again act as emcee and kick-off the two-mile walk. Also on hand will be Jan Cellucci, former First Lady of Massachusetts; HGTV’s Chris and Peyton Lampton and DIY’s Yard Crashers. Walkers include the ALS and MS residents, families, friends, community supporters and local schools. M&T Bank is a major corporate sponsor of this year’s walk. Over 1000 people are expected to be in attendance.
Immediately following the walk, there will be a BBQ hosted by Chili’s, doughnuts provided by Dunkin Donuts, face painting, live dance performances, a petting zoo, a photo booth and a raffle. There is a $20 donation fee to participate in the Walk, which includes a Boston Walk for Living tee shirt, the BBQ and all the activities. The Boston Walk for Living is one of the few walks that are dog-friendly.
“I am so proud to emcee the 9th annual ALS & MS Boston Walk for Living.” said Matt Siegel. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the amazing residents at the Leonard Florence Center. Their incredible courage, strength, humor and love of life are an inspiration to us all.”
Support the ALS & MS Boston Walk for Living by sponsoring or joining a team, or making a much-needed donation at www.walkforliving.org. For more information, call Joelle Smith at 617-409-8973 or email [email protected].