The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association Arizona Chapter is excited to announce it received a $15,000 donation from the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which will go to the chapter’s Youth Support Program.

“We are incredibly thankful for this gift from the Arizona Coyotes Foundation,” said Taryn Norley, President and CEO of the ALS Association Arizona Chapter. “The lives of families of patients with ALS change drastically upon diagnosis, but through our Youth Support Program, we hope to give them some sense of normalcy and fun during a difficult time.”

ALS is a terminal illness that impacts all aspects of a person’s life, often resulting in decreased quality of life at a time when it matters most. The ALS Association Arizona Chapter employs a multi-dimensional approach to support the physical, emotional, and social needs of people with ALS, and their families.

The award funded various resources for 63 youth, including:
• Teen Talk Tuesdays: Monthly Google Hangout sessions for teens to connect with one another for support, facilitated by “guides” (young adults who lost a loved one to ALS when they were a teen).
• Family Fun Packs: Monthly activity kits mailed to each family designed to foster family interactions and create positive memories.
• Legacy Project: A special Family Tree keepsake to cherish after their loved one passes.
• Child Life Therapist Consultations: Individualized services by a Certified Child Life Therapist to support parents in facilitating difficult conversations related to ALS, provide developmentally appropriate disease education, and offer activities to help children express their feelings and develop coping skills.
The year-long program culminated with a total of 14 families treated to an overnight staycation experience at the Westin Kierland. During this “Weekend to Remember”, volunteers from the Arizona Coyotes Foundation decorated the hotel rooms to welcome each family, and activities were provided to foster connections with other families affected by ALS. The experience helped build positive family memories and escape the harsh realities of an ALS diagnosis.

The Arizona Coyotes Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life throughout Arizona communities by supporting non-profit organizations that promote healthcare, education, economic empowerment and cultural arts programs for children and service men and women. It is dedicated to health and wellness programs that stimulate the growth of youth sports and financially supports programs that encourage teamwork skills while building future leaders in the community.

For more information on the ALS Association Arizona Chapter, visit the website at alsaz.org. Like the organization on Facebook at ALS Association Arizona Chapter.

About ALS Arizona Chapter
The ALS Association Arizona Chapter provides services and support to patients suffering from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit devoted solely to the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease on all fronts. These include patient and family services and programs, community outreach, and research. ALS is 100% fatal with no known cause, cure, or effective treatment. Upon diagnosis, patients have only 2-5 years to live, and expenses for those living with ALS average $200,000 annually.