INFORMER - ALS Association - Minnesota Chapter

THEINFORMERALS MN/ND/SDCharitable Gift Annuities: Income forYou and a Gift to Fight ALSPatti ToloVP of Developmenthether you are already retired orW planning now for futureretirement, Charitable Gift Annuities area retirement planning tool worthconsidering. Here are the benefits to you:Attractive Payment Rates. CharitableGift Annuity rates continue to beextremely attractive. Rates depend onyour age and whether the annuity is forone person or two.Lower Your Taxes. Charitable Gift Annuities offer a taxdeduction the year you make your gift and, in most cases, insubsequent years.Receive Payments That Never Go Down. Your payments arebased on your age at the time you make your gift. The paymentrate is fixed and will never change regardless of marketfluctuations or how long you live. And, your payments areguaranteed by the entire asset pool of The ALS Association.Provide Income for Others. Charitable Gift Annuities areflexible and can be set up so that payments are to either one ortwo beneficiaries. They offer a creative way to use your assets toimprove the long-term financial needs of a family member orspecial friend.Leave a Lasting Legacy. A Charitable Gift Annuity to benefitThe ALS Association, Minnesota/North Dakota/South DakotaChapter will support compassionate patient care, research andadvocacy in the fight against ALS.If a Charitable Gift Annuity sounds right for you, please contactPatti Tolo, Vice President of Development, at 888-672-0484 orpatti@alsmn.org to explore your options.For more information on estate planning or making a legacy giftto fight ALS, please visit Gift Planning.www.alsnd.org April—May 2011 3

MN/ND/SDALSTHEINFORMERCurrent ALS Research Studies inMinnesotaHennepin Faculty Associates (HFA)/Berman Centerhe HFA-ALS Center is currently enrolling participants for theT Ceftriaxone trial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safetyand effect of Ceftriaxone treatment in ALS. It is known that motorneurons die in the brains and spinal cords of people with ALS andincreased levels of a chemical called glutamate may be related to thisprocess. Ceftriaxone may increase the level of a protein that decreasesglutamate levels near nerves and may protect motor neurons from injury.Ceftriaxone is approved by the FDA for the treatment of bacterialinfections and its use for the treatment of ALS is investigational. 600people are expected to take part in this research nationwide and about 10people are expected to take part at HFA. For further information on thistrial as well as on upcoming trials, please contact Cindy Rohde, RN,ALS research coordinator, at 612-341-7923.Enrollment is also open for a trial which is designed to improve theassessment of changes in cognition that occur in the presence of ALS.Approximately 305 people will take part in this research nationwide, andabout 20 people are expected to take part at the HFA-ALS Clinic. If youare interested in this trial please contact Mary Wiley, RN, Clinic Nurseof the HFA-ALS Center at 612-347-5224.The HFA-ALS Center is currently enrolling participants for the―Validation of ALS Biomarkers‖ study. This study will collect blood andspinal fluid samples from three groups of people: early ALS patients, pureupper or lower motor neuron disease patients, and other neurologicaldiseases. The first aim is to use these samples to develop a test that willpermit a more rapid diagnosis of ALS. The second aim is to discovermarkers of disease progression that will then be used to evaluate drugeffectiveness in treating ALS. Lastly, samples that are remaining will bebanked in order to provide a quick and ready source of samples to beused in exploring future questions and potential treatments. Financialcompensation is provided for those providing samples to this study. Forfurther information on this trial please contact Cindy Rohde, RN atcrohde@bermancenter.org or at 612-341-7923.Mayo Clinic (Rochester)Mayo Clinic ALS Center is now enrolling ALS subjects for an NIHfunded study on markers of oxidative cell injury and theirassociation with ALS. They will be enrolling 15 subjects and followingthem over time with periodic questionnaires, blood and urine tests. Thisstudy is being performed in collaboration with Columbia University inNew York. The study is not a therapeutic study but rather anobservational study designed to investigate the association between theseoxidative stress markers and ALS. This study is being done to test one ofthe hypothesized etiologies for ALS. If you are interested in learningmore about this study, you may contact 507-538-1037.Research Project Open forParticipantsThe University of South Dakota – Department of CommunicationSciences and Disorders has a research opportunity for people whosespeech is affected by ALS, but who are still using their speech tocommunicate. One of the settings or "conditions" that will make thisphase of the research more "real world" is to use alphabetsupplementation while talking on the phone or over the Internet. Theresearch assistants and Assistant Professor Liz Hanson will providetraining to teach a person how to use this strategy and will provide thealphabet board for he/she to use. If a participant is willing and interestedin using Skype or other internet software (training provided) for this,researchers would be able to work with people who don't necessarily livenearby. In some cases participants would be asked to say a list ofsentences, while using the alphabet board, and in other cases they mighttalk without the board. Other conditions may involve having more of aconversation rather than repeating sentences.The goal is to provide sound research evidence about this type ofintervention strategy so that speech-language pathologists know it'ssomething that will work for their clients, so they can include it in theirtreatment plans. We want to make sure that people are able to continueto use their natural speech for as long as possible, keeping in mind thatthere are other solutions for them to communicate when speech is notworking for them. If you are interested in this research project, seebelow:University of South Dakota – Department of CommunicationSciences and DisordersThe Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at theUniversity of South Dakota is currently seeking participants forresearch focusing on strategies to improve speech communicationbetween persons with ALS and their communicationpartners. Participants will learn how to use strategies to improvespeech intelligibility. For more information, contact Elizabeth (Liz)Hanson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, at the University of South Dakota: 605-677-5475 or Elizabeth.Hanson@usd.edu.The University of Minnesota ALS Clinic continues its ongoingstudy of familial ALS. If there are multiple blood relatives affectedby classic ALS, and you would like to participate, call JolineDalton, Genetic Counselor at 612-625-7967.4 April—May 2011 www.alsmn.org

THEINFORMERALS MN/ND/SDApril is Volunteer Appreciation MonthBy Stephanie Mantheis the volunteer coordinator at The ALS Association, I haveA the privilege of receiving comments from staff members,participants at events, people with ALS (PALS) and their familymembers on the impact our volunteers are making in the ALScommunity. ―Check-in at the Walk to Defeat ALS was sosmooth.‖ ―We love our volunteer who cheerfully cleans our homeeach week.‖ ―Help from the office volunteer frees up my time sothat I can devote more of it to working directly with PALS andtheir families.‖ ―My volunteer has become a member of ourfamily.‖ ―My fundraising committee was instrumental in securingmore sponsors and donated items for the silent auction.‖ I couldgo on and on.Sue Spalding, Executive Director, says, ―Volunteers are thecornerstones of The ALS Association. They lay the foundationfor a strong, growing organization that continually works toimprove on our services and the number of people that theChapter serves.‖ The collective efforts of our volunteers havepropelled The Association to expand our service area to SouthDakota, raise record donations despite a struggling economy andmost importantly, make living with ALS a little easier. Ourvolunteers are the driving force behind our growth and the reasonThe ALS Association will continue on its mission until a cure isfound.Volunteers, your ALS community appreciates and values yourservice. Thank you for the positive impact that you have had onthe lives of others. The ALS Association is grateful that you havechosen to invest your time, energy and skills with us.VOLUNTEER OPORTUNITIESHelp a Person with ALSGolden Valley, Minnesota --- Once a week, 2 hrs.—Clean,errands, laundry, meals, dog careMaplewood, Minnesota ------ 5 times per week, M-F, 1/2-1hr.—Walk dog and pick upwasteMelrose, Minnesota ----------- Once a week, 1-2 hrs.—Clean,garden, chores, meals, yard workMinot, North Dakota --------- Once a week, 1-2 hrs.—VisitPierz, Minnesota --------------- 2-4 times per week, 2-3 hrs.—Snow removal and yard workStacy, Minnesota --------------- Once a week, 2-4 hrs.—Household chores, yard work,clean garage, visitingSt. Cloud, Minnesota ---------- Once a week, 1-2 hrs.—Computer workWalk to Defeat ALSMake the day of the walk go smoothly by helping with T-shirtdistribution, food, decorating, signs, face painting, advocacy, and more.Bismarck, ND ______ Sat., May 7, 2011 ______ 7:30 a.m. – NoonWalk Fundraising CommitteesHelp plan the Walk to Defeat ALS event by serving on itsfundraising committee. Committees work on securing Walksponsors, donated food, entertainment, and publicity. Meetsone hour each month.Bismarck, ND -------- Meets via conference callOctober 2010 – May 2011Fargo, ND ------------- Meets in Fargo area during weekday lunch hourApril— September 2011Grand Forks, ND ---- Meets via conference callOctober 2010 – April 2011Minneapolis, MN --- Meets downtown Minneapolis, once a monthWednesdays, 6—7 p.m.February—October 2011Rochester, MN ------ Meets in Rochester area week nightsApril—October 2011St. Cloud, MN ------- Meets via conference callApril—October 2011To volunteer or to receive a volunteer, please contact Stephanieat (888) or (612)-672-0484, stephanie@alsmn.org, or go to ourwebpage by clicking here.www.alsnd.org April—May 2011 5

MN/ND/SDALSTHEINFORMERCHAPTER PROGRAMSHRBEK-SING COMMUNICATION ANDASSISTIVE DEVICE PROGRAMThe Hrbek-Sing Communication and Assistive Device Program isa resource for augmentative communication, computer access andelectronic aids to daily living equipment. This equipment is available freeof charge to people diagnosed with ALS who live in our service area. Toapply to the program, please call Cheryl or Linda at the Chapter office(888-672-0484), and they will send you an application form.JACK NORTON FAMILY RESPITE CAREPROGRAMThe Jack Norton Family Respite Care Program provides muchneeded respite to full-time family caregivers but more importantly, itassures that PALS are well cared for when their family member is away.The MN/ND Chapter will pay for up to 18 hours/month of respitecare for a full-time primary caregiver living in the home. There is a onepageapplication form to complete and return to the Chapter. To learnmore about the program or participating in it, please contact Jennifer orAnne at the Chapter office (888-672-0484).DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENTLOAN POOLIf your physician and/or therapist tells you that you would benefit frommedical equipment (e.g., canes, walkers, and wheelchairs) and yourinsurance will not cover the expense, we may have these items in ourloan pool located at several locations throughout our service area. CallCheryl or Linda at the Chapter office (888-672-0484) and they will checkan item for you.To donate equipment to the ALS loan pool: Please contact theChapter office (888-672-0484). Your donation is tax deductible and theequipment you donate will help another person living with ALS. PALSand/or their families and friends have donated the items in our loanpool, and we are grateful for their generous contributions.VOLUNTEER PROGRAMVolunteers help persons with ALS (PALS) with daily tasks includingcleaning, errands, gardening, household chores, light maintenance,meals, pet care, scrap booking, snow removal, yard work, or visiting.Each volunteer goes through a thorough screening process. Availabilityranges from weekly to monthly. For more information, request a DVDon the volunteer program. Request a volunteer by contacting Stephanieat the Chapter office (888-672-0484). We are also interested in hearingfrom anyone who would like to become a Chapter volunteer.If you’re interested in contributing financially to any of the above programs,funds have been established for each. You can designate your donations inwhole or part to any of the programs and your donation will go 100 percentto that program. Donations can also be designated to research. Pleasecontact Patti Tolo, Vice President of Development at The ALS Association,Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter, with any questions on how to designateyour contributions 888-672-0484 or e-mail her at patti@alsmn.org.6 April—May 2011 www.alsmn.orgALS SPECIALTY CLINICS INOUR SERVICE AREAAVERA NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE800 E 21st St., Sioux Falls, SD, 57105-1096, 605-332-1610Medical Director: Dr. Karen GarnaasClinic Coordinator: Pam Michels, RNHENNEPIN FACULTY ASSOCIATES (HFA)825 Eighth St S, Ste 250, Minneapolis, MN 55404, 612-347-5224*Nationally certified ALS centerMedical Director: Dr. Ezgi TiryakiClinic Nurse: Mary Wiley, RNMAYO CLINIC200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905. 507-538-1037*Nationally certified ALS centerMedical Director: Dr. Eric SorensonClinic Coordinator: Julie Hovda, RNSANFORD HEALTH NEUROSCIENCESanford Coordinated Treatment Center736 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58122, 1-800-437-4010 ext. 4055Medical Director: Dr. Susan ScarberryNeurologist: Dr. Kara EickmanClinic Coordinator: Peggy Mondry, RNPhysician Assistant: Jamie Brown, PA-CUNIVERSITY of MINNESOTA MEDICAL CENTER,FAIRVIEW420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. 612-624-7134Medical Director: Dr. John DayClinic Coordinator: Leslie Phidd, RNCommunity Outreach Coordinator: Kelly Schuna, 612- 626-4823Wish List for Durable MedicalEquipment Loan Pool $1,000 Electric lift chair (waiting list—need 6 size tallchairs) $ 500 Tub slider chair or portable ramp $ 250 Over- the- bed table $ 150 Sling for patient lift $ 100 Basic wheelchair cushion $ $ $ $75 Bed rail or toilet safety frame50 Pivot disc25 Furniture risers10 Adaptive utensilsThank you for your generous support.Send your tax-deductible contribution to:The ALS Association, MN/ND/SD Chapter333 Washington Ave N Suite 105Minneapolis, MN 55401

THEINFORMERALS MN/ND/SDSUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULES & UPDATESDue to unpredictable weather, location changes, facilitator illness, holidays, and/or other possibilities, we ask that you check either with the Chapteroffice, affiliated clinic, or support group facilitator regarding whether or not group will be held that day or evening.THE ALS ASSOCIATION Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter Support GroupsPlease click on the following links to view the specific information for the support group you are interested in.If you have any questions about these groups, please contact Patient Services Coordinator, Jennifer Myhre, LISW, jennifer@alsmn.org,or Anne Supplee, MDiv, anne@alsmn.org, or call 888-672-0484.Bereavement Support Group (Saint Paul, Minnesota) .............................................. click hereBismarck Area Support Group (Bismarck, North Dakota) ...................................... click hereGrand Rapids Area Support Group (Grand Rapids, Minnesota) ............................ click hereHennepin Faculty Associates Support Group (Minneapolis, Minnesota) .............. click hereMankato Area Support Group (Mankato, Minnesota) .............................................. click hereMinot Area Support Group (Minot, North Dakota) ................................................... click hereRochester Area Support Group (Rochester, Minnesota) ........................................ click hereSaint Cloud Area Support Group (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) .................................... click hereWest Central Minnesota Support Group (Montevideo, Minnesota) ........................ click hereOTHER SUPPORT GROUPS in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and WisconsinMDA SPONSORED SUPPORT GROUPSUniversity of Minnesota, Fairview (Minneapolis, MN)Second Tuesday of every month from 12:30-2:30 p.m. PhillipWangensteen Building 516 Delaware Street SE. Room: 12-100 (12th Floor Conference Room). For questions or to RSVPcontact Tiffany Landkammer, MDA, at 952-697-3251. A lightlunch is served starting at 12:15 p.m.Children & Youth of ALS Patients (Minneapolis, MN)Third Thursday of every month from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Thegroup is facilitated by U of MN Pediatric Neuropsychologist,Dr. Christopher Boys. For questions, location information, orto RSVP contact Tiffany Landkammer, MDA, at 952-697-3251.ALS Support Group (Fargo, North Dakota)Second Tuesday of every month starting at 6:30 p.m.(meetings generally last two hours). Patients, families, friendsand caregivers are all welcome. Location: IdeaOneCommunity Room. 3312 42nd Street South, Suite 100, Fargo.For questions or to RSVP contact Crystal Coster Larson atMDA at 701-235-1988 or at clarson@mdausa.org.ALS Support Group (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)Second Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. (Meetingsgenerally last two hours.) Location: Sanford Health SurgicalTowers. 1508 W 22nd Street, Room G779 & G781. Forquestions of to RSVP, contact Tiffany Worthley at MDA, 605-339-2725 or tworthley@mdusa.org.NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin)Second Thursday of every month from 3:00-5:00 p.m.Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 East South Avenue.Building is wheelchair accessible. Patients, families, friends,and caregivers are welcome. The second hour, the groupbreaks into separate sessions (patients and families/friends/caregivers). Light refreshments are served. For questions orto RSVP contact Deb Erickson, LPN, at 715-271-7257.ESSENTIA HEALTH—SPONSORED (formerly SMDC)Support Group (Duluth, Minnesota)Fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:00-2:30 p.m. FirstStreet Clinic, 420 East 1st Street, Aurora Room 3rd floor.Parking ramp is on 1st St on the west side of the building.Skyway to building is on 2nd level. For questions or to RSVPcontact Christine Raso-Talley at 218-786-5364 orcrasotalley@smdc.org.VA—SPONSORED group for veterans and their familymembers (Minneapolis, Minnesota)Third Tuesday of every month. 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Forquestions or to RSVP contact Erica Johnsen, VA Spinal CordInjury and Disorders outpatient clinic at 612-629-7005.www.alsnd.org April—May 2011 7

MN/ND/SDALSTHEINFORMERWITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHYWe send our sympathy to the families and friends of the followingwho recently lost their battle with ALS:Loretta AdamsJim AndersonJerry BanwellJoyce BernuRodney BrustadBetty BurtGladys EvensonValerie FleischfresserJack GaborKellie HollisterLinda HolmBruce KietzerBonnie KnutsonNancy KrauseMarie MeyerMarge MillerDallas MulfordLouise NelsonElizabeth PanningIrwin RubensteinCharles ThomsonShirley Van DyckPatricia WalkerDavid WardThose we love don't go away,They walk beside us every day,Unseen, unheard, but always near,Still loved, still missed and very dear.- AnonymousOur apologies if we neglected to mention a name, please know that allPALS and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.Support Group Facilitator Spotlighteet Gale Roth! She is the facilitator forM our Bismarck and Minot supportgroups. Gale started her role with the Chapterin September of 2009 at the inception of ourBismarck support group, and has beenworking with that group ever since. InNovember of 2010, Gale took on anadditional role as our support group facilitatorGale Rothin Minot! We are very pleased to have Galerepresenting our Chapter in these two North Dakotacommunities!Gale works at Medcenter One Hospital in Bismarck, and has beena Registered Nurse for over 28 years. Gale enjoys spending timewith her family. She has been married for 27 years, has two grownchildren, and a sweet little dog named Tinkerbell.Gale enjoys camping, boating, reading, going to the casino, andtraveling. In winter months, she likes going to the movies with hermother and husband. Gale loves meeting new people. She saysthat she has enjoyed meeting so many wonderful and courageouspeople with ALS and their families at the Bismarck and Minotsupport groups, and she is so glad to have been offered thisopportunity.If you live the Bismarck or Minot area, and are interested inattending one of our support groups, please contact Gale at701-400-3802, or at cgcsr@bis.midco.net.8th AnnualAssistive Technology ExpoApril 28, 2011with a Pre-conference Workshop on April 27, 2011in Fargo, NDo you or does someone you know have difficulty hearing,D seeing, speaking, learning, working, remembering, and/orperforming everyday tasks? Assistive technology (AT) can helpand the 8 th Annual Assistive Technology Expo is the place tolearn about it. Make plans to attend on April 28, 2011, at theRamada Plaza Suites in Fargo, North Dakota.The day includes a morning of presentations by AT providers andvendors. There is a registration fee of $30 for these sessions andlunch. Scholarships are available to individuals with disabilities ona first-come, first serve basis.The AT Expo runs 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and is free and open tothe public. Over 60 vendors and service organizations areexpected.April 27, 2011 – Pre-Conference WorkshopsDiana Straube of Neighborhood Legal Services—focus on―Funding Through the Ages,‖ providing information youneed for obtaining AT funding through all stages of lifeAnn Hoffman of The ALS Association—comparison ofmounting devices for power and manual wheelchairsThere is a fee to attend these sessions and CEUs will be offeredFor Further InformationMore information on presentations, vendors, and how to registerfor this event can be found at www.atexpo.org or by contactingJenny Davis at 1-877-760-2939 (701-526-3454) or emailjenny@atexpo.org.8 April—May 2011 www.alsmn.org

THEINFORMERTRIBUTES, MEMORIALS & CONTRIBUTIONSTo the best of our knowledge, the following list includes contributions made January 1 to February 28, 2011.Online donations received during this period may be delayed in processing.TRIBUTESIn Honor of:Gunars GrantsRuzana GlaeserMichael MikotaBruce KietzerVeril & Doris ConradJean Lila & FamilyLeAnn MoeMEMORIALSIn Memory of:Keith AdamsMarie AdamsJames AndersonLaurie Eckblad AndersonChester JacobsenJerry BanwellAnonymous DonorBrian AlgerPatricia AndersonJennifer & Sean BerrettTonia BoikeF. Bruce CohenHarvey & Rene FishmanMichael FishmanEmily GreenMelissa HansenRichard HaugAngela HeimerlRandee Samsky Hilborne &FamilyKathi KmitCarole LeonardLinda LochnerGerri & Stan MaiselGina MarinoLori Leonard MoralesNew Reflections Spa SalonMickey & Carol OrrenAllison Kaplan & LoganRosenthalFriends at The Seville & SavoyBeverly BerryE. D. BjornsonGladys BolstadSnow Thrashers of DaltonRuth ClausRobert W. Baird & CompanyWilliam CranmerLarry & Judy SwatoshThomas DonahoeCharles & Turi WhitingGladys EvensonGeorge & Ione KruegerKen & Kathie KruegerJohn GaborKai-Nan AnArtisan Architectural LLCAnnie DoughtyJenny Doughty-GaborKay EgnerSharon GruhlkePatricia HayesDora HellerudCatherine HicksLana HoltorfM. KnipschieldJoan KoebkeStephanie KreofskyRobert KreterDon & Theresa KundertD. Mike MillerMaxine MullenbachJoyce PetersonCara WilsonJulie WisteDarlene HarvatineGregory & Lisa AppelhofGregory HaugenWilliam BudensiekSharon GruhlkeMary HagerIva SteeJoann VikVirginia VikCharles HawkRoger & Julie BisbeyDon & Angie CharlsonJeanette & Steve HansonMark, Kim & Laura HendersonDr. Geoff & Peggy IversonPaul & Jeanette KiefferDr. Deborah LienDeidre LittlefieldD.E. LoefflerJames & Lois MorcombPeter & Martha SchommerTerry & Sandy SeversonRoger & Sandra SmithJerry & Mary SwansonSheridan & Janice TollisonVeterans of Foreign WarsPost 5630Jodi WittHarry HoehnLorene BleessChristy OstbyeMerril StrausWally HommerdingHancock Concrete Products LLCMarilyn JohnsonEdward JohnsonBertha KadlecMarilyn NogaBruce KietzerSandy KettnerThomas KoblerTanya AndersonCarol BergLori BullockCarol CurnesSusan FrederickPam GauJames GreerKristi HayesRuth HendersonMichael & Jill KoblerCarolyn KoblerDory KoblerCarolyn KoblerAndrea LenzBonnie LerbergBeverly LovasMarie MarinLe Ann MeservyLawrence MullalyKami NelsonSusan PetersonLaverne SchleicherBarbara SobertMargaret WennerLee & Janet WenzelPaula LearyEllen KelleyInez LuttekeLinda KlocekJune "Muriel" MargolesSandy GlassmanSusan McAllisterLee ZurekNina MoatzRobert & Gayle SitMavis MoeDaily PrintingPeter JacobsonRobert ManuelTammi Oliver-VaughtKaren OlsonKenneth ReinJeanette WeberThomas NicholsTerry & Marilyn LugerElizabeth PanningPaul EpnerJames Grifith & Susan LeclairAvrom RobinowDeloris KellyMary SmallBrad RogersMark ArnessMarian BeumerCheryl BlytheLisa BolserShirley BraunSuzette BurleyThomas CahillM. Beth CarsonDaniel C. CherryStephen CobbTracy CosentinoDoug DahlNancy DahlJanice DanzlBecky DemingJohn DziukBrad EggenPatricia EggenPaul EnckColleen EvonMary FinnVirginia GooleyCarol GoszWendy GrandlienardGerri HareShari HarrisWinifred HedMark HeerenJulie HorakBeverly IannazzoMary JaebLois JohnsonBruce JohnsonElaine JorgensenNichol KarnoppTeresa Mary LambertJames LausenBeverly LawlessAnn LazorMarian LazorNancy LeitchBrad LisJohn & Catherine MamerBeverly MarshallDick & Regina McCarthyBetty NeifertJohn NielingJudith NybeckMichael OkeefeShari PearsonJeanne PietriniPhyllis ReubendaleKatherine ReuderSandy RothMaria RuudShelly SchaubachCharles SchumacherAnne SolbergDawn SpencerRichard StreuThe Church of St. AlphonsusDiane ThomasBarbara WalhoodSuzanne WallingaCharles & Nora WattsDavid WeissLinda WiborgSharon WilhelmiTamre WolneyJudith WoodDavid SheetsKhrystenn AsariahRobert SolumJudith FieldsSylvan StephaniPauline AllisonJames BrownDakota County CDA HousingAssistanceTerri EbnetJason & Tommi EggersLarry HouffAnn Klockeman & FriendsBrian KubicekRosemary LaFrancePhil & Barb LindbladBarbara LinkHarry McCreeryJames MorrisIrvin & Nancy NehringSharon SmiejaJohn StephaniALS MN/ND/SDJames StephaniThomas TippelPaul SwansonLiberty Diversified IndustriesKaren TrentmanLeanne StauduharTheresa TsaiLeo T. TsaiVirginia VoigtJudith PazikCheryl PrinsEunice VossElaine BarberRita WagnerMarjorie BurtonDonna RobbinsJosef VichWilliam WalshFrances ButlerRobert SeidelArlene WalshMayDean WalzDental Implant CenterNina KarskySummit Dental ManagementLin VanHofwegenDean WestbyAnonymous DonorPeter ZirbelRichard & Mary Jean WeigelRobert ZundelJudith MaddenANNUAL APPEALDONATIONSJoyce AaserudRodger & Ruth AdamsJoseph AdelmeyerMary Jane AmendBev AndersonDavid ArffDick ArmstrongCraig & Amy ArnesonMark ArpsKhrystenn AsariahKimberlee AustinDarrell & Carol BakerSteven & Jeanne BallAnne Leslie BeersDonald BernsteinTodd & Lona BeuckensKaren BihrleRosemarie BiondichMarjorie BjorklundDeanna BlomgrenMarvin BookinSandra BrakstadThomas & Kathleen BrownIrene CarlsonMike & Katherine CarneyLois & Dwight CarpenterSusan CarrierSusan Lee CashmanKathleen CaustonGeorge CoklasPatricia ColeCheryl CollinsSusan CooperRoger & Nancy CorbinDon CoteKent CraunTimothy & Judith Cronenwww.alsnd.org April—May 2011 9

MN/ND/SDALSDuane DahnertJanice DaleAnton DammenJanice DanzlJoanne DegroodLorraine DenisonCecil & Sally DeutschGino DiMattiaKika DudiakLucinda EastmanMarvin & Ruth EbertDouglas ElliottPatricia EnglundBonnie EricksonHarold ErksJoanne EvansSara EvansJosephine EvartsMary EversollGreg & Kathy FerrinDavid & Kay FinnesethBeverly FlahertyDavid FlahertyMary Kay FosterRichard & Katherine FournierDonald & Margaret FoytRuth FredericksonLois FrericksJamie & Pam GarveyKaren GatesBarbara GlessingJane GrendahlKathleen GrendahlLouise GriverFrank HableDorothy HallinCarmelle HansonSaadia HaqueJames HarderDerek & Janna HazeltineJeff & Amy HedlundSandy & Danny HendriksonCleon & Lavonne HeusinkveldRobert HoehnAllan HolmesNeta HolmgrenJoan HonsaKarmen HuyserBarbara IrishGloria IrwinDarleen JacksonHelen JacobsenDr. Robert JanuDonald & Defaine JefsonCraig & Jean JohnsonMarion JohnsonSharon JohnsonBarbara JorgensonRon & Colleen JungbauerJames & Martha JustusA. J. KabusAlice KalashRolland & Sharon KampRichard KastSue KazosEleanor KielThomas & Jodi KinneyBarb KirkShirley KirkendallMavis KnudsonJohn KohlerLee & Ann KolquistElmer & Rochelle LalimCorky & Donny LarsonHelen LattarySandy Linde-EllisJeff LindemannBruce & Kris LinderNancy LinderStanley & Marjorie LindholmRonald LudekingRita LynumGary & Ruth MagnusonCarlo MakiThane & Carolyn MalmstoneFred MalverGene & Norma MarienJuanita MartinBob & Kathy MastersAlois MatheKaren McCullochDarleen McLennonPat and Mike McMahonRita McPhersonJudith MedjanykFrank & Verneal MeltonWalter & Edie MeyersMarion Dwyer MillerBarbara MitchellDave & Mary MoeKristi MorelanKerri MorrisMarilyn MorrisJill MorrisseyRon & Diane MuellerElaine NalipinskiJanet NeffGary NelsonStephen NelsonBarb & Scott NessaLois NeubertRichard & Shirley NeuvilleThomas & Laurie NilssonRuth NohlNorthwest Martial ArtsWanda O'NealCandace O'RourkeSherry OlesonLynn & Noel OlsonNatalie OlsonMaxine OrdahlDennis & Kay OrtchiedJoan OwensDiane PedersonJoyce PetersJudy PetersKenneth PetersenRuby PetersonCole & Sarah PetroskeGene PhelpsRobert & Julia PhylikyRandall & Connie PoppLeonard PuhrPaul & Diane RadintzPeter & Marilyn RasmussenSr. Joan ReillyHarold ReistadDonna ReuversLarry & Mary RichardsRichard RignellFlorence & Donald Robbins10 April—May 2011 www.alsmn.orgEthel RoerigTom RowekampCindy RubendallJeff RundgrenStephen & Carolyn RyanShirley RyndaPeter & Marcia SadowskiJoe & Carol SchmidtElda SchroederGeraldine SchwabJames & Barbara SeburgArlette ShawMary ShelleyAmy ShortJennifer SimonsenLeonard & MonaSmallwoodSiri Ann SmithDoreen SmoleyMarlys & David SorlieRussell StenforsHarold StensonJill StillerPaula StittsworthKeith StutzDoris SundeenR. A. SwansonCorinne TateLeonard & GwenThompsonMarlene ThorsonDolores TimmerMarian TorgesonDianna TownsleyDorothy TrombleyKenneth UssatisDennis VershawEric & Katherine VolkJames VollhaberMary WaatajaGertrude WadeAllen WakeyMary WalckerSharon WarnerRobert WasikArdelle Iverson WatkinsAlice WeidesDolores WelciekMargaret WennerSue & Ronald WhippleJohn WielinskiHerbert WilkersonJerry WillerDavid & Laura WitteMargaret WoodsMarj WunderDarlene & James WuolletYanish Family FundWilliam YoungVivian YoungbergDebbie YunkerJohn ZimmerschiedJoyce & Carl ZuckGENERALCONTRIBUTIONSCompany MatchesBlue Cross Blue Shield of MNCharles Schwab FoundationGRACO CompanyMicrosoft CorporationThrivent Financial for LutheransEmployee Giving Campaigns (EGC)Ameriprise Financial EmployeeGiving CampaignBlue Cross Blue Shield of MNCeridianGRACO CompanyIBMLiberty Mutual Foundation MatchMicrosoft CorporationMile High United Way of DenverQwestRaytheon Charitable GivingTarget CorporationThomson ReutersThrivent Financial for LutheransUnitedHealth GroupUPSWells Fargo Community SupportCampaignIndividual Donations via EGCCarol AaseCandice AlstadtAnonymous DonorsGregory BetlachTimothy BishopBradford BruggemannMark BuermannTerri CarrickPaul CurtisArlene DahlbergMaria Delmoro-HultmanSusan DentingerWilliam DoveArvin FisherHeidi FriedThomas GrocottMichael GustafsonLori HicksRyan HolmMatthew HudnutJeffrey IsaacsonAdam JenkauskiElizabeth JessoCynthia JohnsonRachel LaingKathleen LamphereMichael LandrevilleBradley LundbergVicki MajorowiczPhil MarquisAmanda McLeodMichelle MohrScott NelsonMary NimtzSteven NobleAdrian OrthRon OrtloffSarah OtrembaSherri PeilerKaren PortRaymond RidlTHEINFORMERJulie RisoviKevin SchaferMarnie SchafferJohn SchleppenbachLeonard SharpeJean SigurdsonJulie SteffenMarcus StromEmily StumpDaniel TausAndrea WeatherlyMichael WesthouseFederated CampaignsCFC of the Red River ValleyCommunity Health Charities MinnesotaTruist (formerly United eWay)Warren One FundGrantsCathy ReedChristopher and Dana Reeve FoundationContributionsTami AndersonAnonymous DonorsAutumn Grace Assisted Living,Mankato, MNNorbert BidermanJessup BordsonChippewa Co.-Montevideo HospitalChurch of St. Michael, St. Cloud, MNCarol CroweDeb DarlingEmma DaughertyDr. Thomas FrerichsGrand Itasca Clinic & Hospital,Grand Rapids, MNShelly GrossmanGary HansenJudith HillgerSuzanne InskeepEdward JohnsonDean & Kathryn JohnsonLila KraskaClifford & Ruth MarquardtRhonda MarrettGladys MarzahnLindsey McDivittMedCenter One, Bismarck, NDMary Anne MoyerRobert PattynW. Pitt RolfeSt. Mary’s Episcopal Church,St. Paul, MNPeter VickeryLisa WolfordYoungstedts, Inc.Donated EquipmentRita DrazanWayne GrazziniCharles HawkEstate of Linda K. HolmWalter “Mike” HookerKris KrauseBonnie LarsonJean LijewskiJudy MoeningKatie PetersonNancy RobinowDave & Laura TelschowKenny WelshJoanne YoukonWe gratefully acknowledge the people and groups who generously made memorial gifts and contributions to our chapter since the last newsletter. Monies receivedsupport patient services, public awareness and research into the causes and a cure for ALS. Upon receipt of these gifts, an acknowledgement of the gift is sent to theperson or family designated. All contributions are tax-deductible. If we have omitted any names, please notify us. Thank you for caring.

THEINFORMERALS MN/ND/SDFANTASTIC CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS2011 Walk to Defeat ALS TMPlease join us at our Walk to Defeat ALS as we strive to raise $825,000 in 2011!Spring Walks:Mankato Walk to Defeat ALS ................................... Saturday, April 16, 2011Mankato West High SchoolGrand Forks Walk to Defeat ALS ........................... Saturday, April 30, 2011University ParkBismarck Walk to Defeat ALS ................................. Saturday, May 7, 2011Sertoma ParkMinot Walk to Defeat ALS ........................................ Saturday, May 14, 2011Oak ParkIn each location registration begins at 9:00 a.m., and the Walk begins at 10:00 a.m. To pre-register for the Walk, visit www.walktodefeatals.org.For more information on the Mankato Walk to Defeat ALS, please contact Kristina (kristina@alsmn.org or 888-672-0484) and contact Chelsea(chelsea@alsmn.org or 701-235-2399) for the North Dakota Walks.12th Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tourhe 2011 Black Woods Blizzard Tour - A Ride to Fight ALS raised a record $650,000 for The ALST Association, Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter. This was a 30% increase, $150,000 greater than lastyear’s record amount. The Black Woods Blizzard Tour is the largest snowmobile fundraising event in theworld. It has now raised more than $3.5 million in its 12-year history. There were 181 snowmobile riders and54 sponsors who participated in the event, held February 2-5, 2011. Riders rode 370 miles along northernMinnesota snowmobile trails completing a loop that takes them from Proctor to Lake Vermilion, on to TwoHarbors, and back to Proctor.―The Black Woods Blizzard Tour Board and riders set high goals for the Tour again this year,‖ said Executive Director, Sue Spalding. ―I am very proudof the accomplishments achieved. The people who volunteer on the board, committees, groomers, riders and sponsors continually strive to work for acommon cause-to help people with ALS and find a cure for this terrible disease.‖Terry Steinbach, former Minnesota Twins catcher, served as the celebrity host of the event for the 12 th year. Joining Steinbach on the ride again thisyear were Minnesota Twins manager, Ron Gardenhire; Twins batting coach, Joe Vavra; and former Minnesota Twins great, Kent Hrbek.This year’s top fundraiser was the Polaris team of Roseau, Minnesota. The team raised more than $85,000 through local community events and pledges.Jane Evans, representing Polaris, accepted the Polaris 600 IQ Shift snowmobile donated by Polaris Industries. The sled will be used to raise more fundsfor ALS and the 2012 Black Woods Blizzard Tour. Second place went to Minnesota Twins Manager, Ron Gardenhire, who raised $26,995. Coming inthird was Dave Telschow, Savage, Minnesota, who raised $21,245. Ted Kowalski of Prior Lake raised $12,095 to take home fourth place honors.Rounding out the top five was Jeff Thompson, Cologne, Minnesota, who raised $10,828.Winning the Wes Blakeslee Most Valuable Rider Award this year was Bud Baker of Duluth, MN. Baker has been a part of the Black Woods BlizzardTour since the beginning. He has been a rider, volunteer, fundraiser, recruiter and serves on the Black Woods Blizzard Tour Board of Directors. TheALS Association, Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter and the Black Woods Blizzard Tour congratulate Bud on winning the award and thank him for hismany years of outstanding service.The ALS Association, Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter would like to thank everyone involved in the Black Woods Blizzard Tour, especially all of thevolunteers and to those who donated to the event. A huge thank you is extended to the Black Woods Blizzard Tour committee: Bud Baker, BryanFlaherty, Pete Gassert, Dan Hartel, Tom Jesperson, David Kolquist, Dave Telschow and Julie Thoreson.Sponsors for the event include:Black Woods Grill and Bar Polaris Industries Fox Sports North Midwest Communications Phillips-UV/IceHole/TrincheroAluma Trailers/Widdes Trailer Sales Minnesota Twins Precision Camera AmericInn AmsoilBest Buy Castle Cirrus Coca-Cola Creative ThreadsDSC Communications Duluth Lawn and Sport Fastline Graphix Fortune Bay Resort and Casino Harbor City OilHartel’s/DBJ Disposal Company Holiday Station Stores iGog Jesperson Studios Kolar ToyotaLamar Outdoor Advertising Mellin Promotions Minnesota Coaches MN USA National Audio & VisualNorthland Subway Perkins Pro Print Republic Bank Skinz Protective GearSpur Stokes Media House Superior Beverage-Budweiser SYSCO Tischler Wood ProductsTwin Ports Paper CentraCare Health Systems Encore Repair Services Hoyt Lakes VFW Jack Link’s Beef JerkyMaurices Northern Business Products Super One Foods Superior National Forest TDS MetrocomUniversity Liquor Youngstedt Companies Over the Hill Night Riders Club Vermilion Penguins Snow Club Range Trail CommitteePequaywan Area Trail Blazers Rangers Snowmobile Club Reservoir Riders Snowmobile Club Knight Riders Snowmobile Club Ely Igloo Snowmobile ClubLake Williams Snowmobile Club Eveleth Trail Hawks Voyageurs Snowmobile Club Byfuglien Trucking Newwww.alsnd.org April—May 2011 11

MN/ND/SDALSTHEINFORMER16th Annual Kolar Toyota ALS Walleye TournamentF ISH FOR FREE! The 16th Annual Kolar Toyota ALS Walleye Tournament will be held onSaturday, June 4, 2011 on Island Lake, Duluth, MN. Required registration for teams is a minimum of$350—and you can fish for free by collecting charitable donations for the cause. There are incentive prizesfor donations collected at four specific levels starting at $300. Find out how you could be in the drawing foran ATV—check out our website at www.kolartoyotawalleye.com. Teams of two can register going onlineat www.kolartoyotawalleye.com or by contacting Sandy at (888) or 612-672-0484 or sandy@alsmn.org.17th Larry Sing Memorial ALS Golf ClassicT he 17th Annual Larry Sing Memorial ALS Golf Classic is scheduledfor August 22, 2011 in Fargo-Moorhead. Registrations andsponsorships are currently being accepted! Register before May 31, 2011 totake advantage of a 5% off Early Bird Discount. For more information onthe event, please contact Chelsea at chelsea@alsmn.org or 701-235-2399.9th Annual Dinner of Champions—A Gala EventJ oin us for our 9th Annual Dinner of Champions-A Gala Event on Thursday, November 3, 2011.We will be honoring Fox Sports North at The Northland Inn located in Brooklyn Park. We anticipate325 attendees, raising $130,000 through table sponsorships, silent and live auctions and othercontributions made at the event. Individual tickets and table sponsorships are available. If you areinterested in learning more, please contact Sandy at the Chapter office 888-672-0484 orsandy@alsmn.org.COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERST he Winterrific Snowshoe Race was held January 22nd in memory of Buster Whitmer at the MurphyHanrehan Park in Savage, Minnesota. Mike Millonig, his family and friends decided to resurrect the eventthat Buster started in 1986. Eighty people participated in the event and raised almost $400 for The ALSAssociation. Thanks to Mike and all his friends for organizing this fun event.If you are planning a family event and need additional information on how to do this, please contact Sue Spalding, Executive Director, at the Chapter office,sue@alsmn.org or 888-672-0484.The contributions made by everyone, both monetarily and otherwise, are greatly appreciatedby all whose lives have been touched by ALS.“Together We Will Create A World Without ALS”12 April—May 2011 www.alsmn.org

THEINFORMERALS MN/ND/SDThe ALS Association, Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter,is a non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (often called LouGehrig’s Disease) through research, patient support, information dissemination and public awareness.The ALS Association, Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter333 Washington Ave N, Suite 105, Minneapolis, MN 55401E-mail: info@alsmn.orgWeb Site: www.alsmn.org or www.alsnd.orgSTAFFChelsea Cronin ___________ Special Events CoordinatorSharon D’Souza__________________ Web AdministratorNancy Felicetta ______________ Administrative AssistantKristina Hedberg __________ Special Events CoordinatorSandy Judge _________________ Development DirectorLisa Kronk ______________ Patient Services CoordinatorLinda Lorentzen _______ Vice President, Patient ServicesLourdes McGovern _________________ Office ManagerStephanie Manthei _____________ Volunteer CoordinatorCheryl Meyers ___________ Patient Services CoordinatorJennifer Myhre ___________ Patient Services CoordinatorNita Schanback ______________ Database AdministratorSue Spalding __________________ Executive DirectorAnne Supplee ___________ Patient Services CoordinatorPatti Tolo _____________ Vice President of DevelopmentPhone (Metro area): .......... 612-672-0484Toll Free: ........................... 888-672-0484Fax: ................................... 612-672-9110Phone (Fargo office): ........ 701-235-2399Fax (Fargo office): .............. 701-232-1714BOARD OFFICERSJohn Miller _________________ PresidentAmy Brachio____________ Vice PresidentScott Kirkland _______________ TreasurerHoward Zack _______________ SecretaryDIRECTORSSteve Arsenault Joe Driscoll Mike RalstonBob Brooks Dale Freking Gayle SitKaren Dahlen Scott Kirkland Jean TracyMichelle Dove Mary Sue Ohlhauser Todd WindHONORARY DIRECTORSKent & Jeanie HrbekDavid KolquistStrike Out ALSt’s that time again for our Strike Out ALS program. We hopeI that you will join our fight and cheer on the Minnesota Twinsat the same time. The Minnesota Twins and Carrier are workingtogether with participants like you by contributing a pledge perhome game strike out. We’re honored to have former TwinsKent Hrbek and Terry Steinbach join us in promoting awarenessand raising money for ALS. For complete details and toparticipate, please click here for a Strike Out ALS pledge form orcontact Kristina at kristina@alsmn.org or 888-672-0484.Raise awareness by wearing a Fighting Lou Gehrig'sDisease WristbandContact Lourdes at the Chapter office,888-672-0484 or lourdes@alsmn.orgto order wristbands now!Cost is $1 each plus shipping.“Integrity is our creed.Customer satisfaction is our business.”JCAHO accredited, Members of MED GROUP,AAHomecare, MAMES, NRRTS and NCARTWe provide all yourHome Medical Equipment & SuppliesVisit one of our three convenient locations9401 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 P:763-255-38001630 Anderson Ave, Ste 200, Buffalo, MN 55313 P:763-684-1778440 Great Oak Dr, Waite Park, MN 55287 P:320-259-5900www.reliamed.com reliamed@reliamed.comwww.alsnd.org April—May 2011 13