The ALS Hope Foundation is proud to sponsor many of the ongoing programs at the MDA/ALS Center of Hope at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine. The breadth of the programs and services offered at the clinic are limited only by the funding the ALS Hope Foundation receives. If you are interested in working with us to develop a new program, please contact the ALS Hope Foundation office.

Basic Laboratory And Clinical Research

The ALS Hope Foundation is deeply committed to research initiatives, and the results of our efforts are realized in the Dr. Robert Sinnott Research Lab and at the MDA/ALS Center of Hope. Please follow these links to learn about our basic lab and clinical research projects.

ALS Educational Programs

The ALS Hope Foundation provides education to people living with ALS (PALS), their family members and caregivers (CALS), health care providers, and other facilities or agencies that provide care to PALS. The topics are wide-ranging and include education on ALS in general and quality of life choices such as ventilators and tracheostomies, feeding tubes, and other healthcare decisions. Our initiative Hope Educates is a program that allows students from the community to learn more about ALS and the families it affects by visiting the Center of Hope as well as our research lab.

The ALS Hope Foundation is also a longtime supporter of the annual Allied Professionals Forum, a program at the International Symposium on ALS/MND dedicated to educating healthcare providers from around the world in the unique needs of people with ALS.

The Northeast ALS Consortium Clinical Research Learning Institute was launched in 2011 by Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD (Duke ALS Clinic) and Merit Cudkowicz, MD, MSc (Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General Hospital) to facilitate direct interaction between researchers and people living with ALS and their caregivers. We are pleased to be able to offer these CRLIs on the local level.

Assistive Technology Program

Sponsored in part by the Gitlin Family Foundation, this program preserves PALS' communication and independence with user-friendly electronics available for loan. Learn more about the assistive technology resources available to PALS at the Center of Hope here. Click here for a presentation on computer access for people with ALS by Sara Feldman, PT, DPT, ATP.

The Pappas Family Equipment Loan Closet

The Center of Hope offers PALS equipment and supplies on loan for the period of time needed, after which the equipment is returned so that it can be re-loaned to other patients. Typically loaned items include communication devices (such as eyegaze computers), shower chairs, patient lifts, and other equipment and supplies donated by PALS and families. We are occaisionally able to provide power wheelchairs on a limited basis.

Hope Bridges Home Visit Program

Various members of our ALS multidisciplinary team or affiliated professionals provide home visits to PALS and/or family members. The purpose of these visits is to enhance the continuity of care between clinic appointments and to cover topics such as: home safety, computer access, augmentative communication needs, care plan management, end-of-life choices, emotional/educational counseling, ventilator withdrawal, the dying process, and bereavement.

Virtual Support Group Programs

You are invited to join our Virtual Support Groups, led by Mary Holt-Paolone, MSRN, Mental Health Specialist at the MDA/ALS Center of Hope at Temple University. All groups are hosted via Zoom on Fridays. We offer a free-flow conversation style, where participants can share experiences and resources and connect with others who understand in a safe and supportive environment.

Caregiver Support Meeting

  • For loved ones and adult children, spouses, friends, significant others, etc.

  • 1st Friday of each month from 11:00AM to 12:00PM ET

Continuing Hope Bereavement Group

  • For those who have lost a loved one within the past 2 years

  • 2nd Friday of each month from 1:30PM to 2:30PM ET

PLS Support Meeting

  • For people living with Primary Lateral Sclerosis

  • 4th Friday of each month from 11:00AM to 12:00PM ET

Email Mary at info@alshopefoundation.org to sign up!

Parking Voucher Program

PALS who visit the MDA/ALS Center of Hope can receive validated parking vouchers when they park in the Boyer Pavilion Parking Lot, whether they valet or self-park. An ALS Hope representative will provide parking vouchers during clinic visits. If you are interested in sponsoring the parking voucher program, contact info@alshopefoundation.org. 

Volunteer Program

We depend on volunteers, like you, to help us fulfill our mission. If you are interested in volunteering with the ALS Hope Foundation, please contact us at info@alshopefoundation.org or sign-up here!