Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation Awards Grant to ALS Northwest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALS Northwest uses Grant from Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to support Southern Oregon

Foundation funds will serve people living with ALS in Southern Oregon. 

Portland, OR (February 3, 2026) — ALS Northwest has received a $5,000 grant from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to fund care services for people living with ALS in Southern Oregon.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It takes away the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and ultimately breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages two to five years from the time of symptom onset, and there is currently no cure nor any significantly life-prolonging treatments for the disease. Currently, approximately 35,000 people are living with ALS in the United States (CDC).

Because of this grant, ALS Northwest can support over 100 affected families in Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lane counties. To help mitigate unreasonable out-of-pocket costs throughout the disease lifespan, this grant enables ALS Northwest to provide free case management, loaned medical equipment, assistive technology, support groups, and practical volunteer assistance – vital supports that empower people to continue directing their own care and live a high quality of life even as their physical abilities deteriorate. 

“We are deeply grateful for this partnership with the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation,” said Cassy Adams, Executive Director of ALS Northwest. “Strong foundation supporters like this one sustain critical services in Southern Oregon. It helps people navigating this devastating disease to live life to the fullest for as long as possible.”