ALS Podcast

Everyone involved in the fight against ALS has an inspiration. For Tony Heyl, the Director of Communications and Public Policy at the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, that inspiration was his grandfather, who passed away in 2007 from the disease. In this podcast, Tony talks to his dad, Tom Heyl, about caring for someone with ALS, facing tough conversations with a loved one, and the support of a local ALS Association Chapter. Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes, comment, and then support the ALS Care Appreciation Fund at www.alsphiladelphia.org/careappreciation 

Bob Grimes is loving husband to Despina, who has been living with ALS for ten years. He appreciates every day with her, but he also realizes that he needs help along the way to be a caregiver and to relieve some of his own stress. In addition to using the clinic services at Hershey Medical Center, Bob and Despina have begun using the Howard I. Abrams In Home Care Program, which provides up to 12 hours of in home care for a person with ALS per week. Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes and support this program at www.alsphiladelphia.org/abrams 

Episode 1 of the ALS Podcast featured Larry Kaplan talking about Hot Chocolate 2015. Now, one year later, his wife Jill Kaplan joins the podcast to talk about Hot Chocolate 2016! She is joined by Maryellen Bowers of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen as they both discuss how they prepare for the annual Hot Chocolate event, what guests can expect, recruiting sponsors, and why you should attend this year. Learn more about Hot Chocolate at Adventure Aquarium at www.alsphiladelphia.org/hot-chocolate 

Phil Avillo is a United States Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, an amputee, college professor, coach of many sports, loving husband and father, and is living with ALS. His many years of life experience, particularly his willingness to walk away from what was familiar at points in his personal history, have prepared him for this next step of being an ALS advocate. As Phil gets ready to raise awareness for the Hershey Walk to Defeat ALS, he joins the ALS Podcast to discuss his life, his diagnosis, and what he hopes to accomplish next. Listen, share, subscribe, and join his walk efforts at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter staff nurse Gail Houseman started the Chapter's Visiting Volunteer program 15 years ago. Since then, over 100 volunteers have participated in the program to provide help and companionship to people with ALS in the Chapter's area. Kelly Slipakoff was the very first VV and she continues to be involved in the program to this day. In this podcast, Gail and Kelly talk about the program, what they've learned, and how to be good friends to those living with the disease and their families.Get involved today as a volunteer, advocate, or donor at www.alsphiladelphia.org  

Sarah Brendle was diagnosed with ALS in 2009. Since then, she has been active in the ALS community and active as a mother raising three smart, caring children. In this podcast, she discusses how it felt to learn that she had ALS, the help from her family, the services from The ALS Association, and the many events that she has participated in over the years. Sarah also talks about the value of sharing her story with others. Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes, and get involved today at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

In the final ALS Podcast of 2015, Steve Hildebrand talks about his wife's battle with ALS, the events the family has participated in over the years, and raising a young daughter all along the way. He explains the many challenges of being a caregiver. Listen, subscribe on iTunes, and honor caregivers with a donation at www.alsphiladelphia.org/careappreciation 

Karen Stull cared for her brother during his battle with ALS 15 years ago. That caregiving experience continues to impact her to this day. Listen to her perspective on ALS, being a caregiver, and how the disease affects an entire family and then get involved at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

As the Holiday season gets into full swing, Meg Dresher talks about how her family has united in support of her mom during her battle with ALS. In this podcast, we discuss the challenges of getting diagnosed, services from the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, and caring for caregivers. Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes and support those who provide care at www.alsphiladelphia.org/careappreciation 

After being diagnosed with ALS, Andy Miller took on every opportunity to raise awareness and to find a cure. He has started his own awareness effort called One and Half Legs to let people know about his life with ALS and the latest in research across the world. In this podcast, Andy shares his story and his hopes for an end to ALS. 

Dr. Scott Mackler lived with ALS for over 15 years. In that time, he lost his ability to walk, eat, and speak, but he remained very active in his professional and family lives, raising his sons and coordinating groundbreaking research himself. He also started the Scott Mackler Assistive Technology Program to make sure that people with ALS can get the tools they need to communicate and live fuller lives. In this podcast, his sons Noah and Alexander talk about their father, the results of the Assistive Technology Programs, and their vision for the future in the fight against ALS. Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes, and get involved at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter Executive Director Jim PInciotti joines the ALS Podcast to talk about his 20 years of being involved with the Chapter. In this special Thanksgiving episode, we talk about what are thankful for in the fight against ALS and why there is so much more to accomplish. Find out how to get more involved at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

Anne Cooney has over two decades of experience as a social worker and in this podcast, she talks about her role in making sure that people with ALS get all of the services they need to live to their fullest potential. We talk about the social worker's efforts to help people navigate the healthcare system, getting people in touch with the right support, and how the social workers at the Chapter continuously go above and beyond at every opportunity. Listen, share, and get involved at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

Bill Hemsing passed away from ALS over 15 years ago, but the impact of his disease is still being felt by his surviving family members. During his time living with ALS, his daughters, his son, and his wife learned to be caregivers and they grew closer together as a result. Listen to their story in this podcast as they get ready to participate in this year's Annual Luncheon honoring ALS caregivers. Donate online today at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

Kristen Colby has been a supportive wife and caregiver for her husband Craig Colby during his long battle with ALS. In this podcast, she discusses what it means to be a caregiver, why she likes the Walk to Defeat ALS, and the anticipation for the Chapter's Annual Luncheon on Friday, November 13 honoring Caregivers. Learn more about the luncheon at www.alsphiladelphia.org/luncheon