Donate by March 31 to Help People Living with ALS Stay Connected

For many of us, being able to speak and feel heard are important parts of how we connect with loved ones. Sending a text or signing on to a video call is something we barely even have to think about today. But that’s often not true for a person living with ALS.

Losing your voice or the use of your hands and fingers can make communication really challenging. With your support, ALS Northwest can offer solutions.

With your help by March 31, ALS Northwest can provide hands-on support that helps people stay connected through the Assistive Technology Program.

Julie Aalbers knows the power of this support firsthand. She came to Gresham, Oregon with her husband over 30 years ago. She spent her career serving others as a dietitian and eventually as Deputy Director of Public Health for Clackamas County during the early days of the pandemic. She retired in 2021 at a time when she hoped to spend her retirement traveling and visiting ancestral sites – a product of her love for genealogy research.

In 2024, plans changed. Julie was diagnosed with ALS.

“Since my diagnosis I have prioritized spending time with friends and family,” Julie shared. However, as the disease progressed, Julie was losing her voice. Conversations with her friends and family became harder as she struggled to speak clearly.

That’s when ALS Northwest stepped in.

While Julie was waiting for home health services, our on-staff Assistive Technology Services Coordinator, Ashley Loyning, MS, SLP met with her to assess her needs. Finding the right adaptive device can be expensive, so Ashley then continued to work closely with Julie’s healthcare team to provide access to loaned equipment. Through this support, Julie was able to trial equipment from ALS Northwest and find the right fit without financial strain. And thanks to the range of adaptive equipment available, Julie can continue to communicate and do some of the things she’s passionate about – like genealogy research – even as her disease progresses. 

“ALS is a lonely disease,” Julie expressed. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” 

Like Julie, there are others living with ALS who are losing their ability to speak. You can provide hands-on support and tools like eye-gaze devices, adaptive mice, and voice amplifiers that help them reconnect with family and friends. 

“It was so reassuring to know we had people to help us navigate the resources and who understand living with ALS,” Julie shared. “Ashley has been a big help… I have certainly benefited from the loaned equipment.” 

Your donation not only supports communication – it provides independence. That’s why I’m asking for your help today. 

Donate by March 31 to ensure every person with ALS has access to adaptive communication technology.

Julie offers this advice to others facing ALS: “Live in today… but plan a little for the future.” 

Your donation makes this possible. You can help us meet people where they are today with compassion, expertise, and practical support while adapting every step of the way. 

No one should lose their voice to ALS. And no one should face this disease alone.