Leading ALS Researcher Shares Optimism on Finding a Cure

Every  90  minutes  someone  is  diagnosed  with  ALS

WHAT:  You’ve heard of the Ice Bucket Challenge, but “Do You Know ALS?” This May, ALS Awareness Month, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Dr. Matthew Harms are shedding light on the disease that affects 400,000 people worldwide, with an individual being diagnosed every 90 minutes with no cure. However, this is a time of unprecedented promise for people ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, with specialized care centers helping people with ALS live longer and improving the quality of their lives along with two FDA-approved drugs that can affect the course of this disease.

Dr. Matthew Harms and Lynn O’Connor Vos can discuss research breakthroughs, advancements in care, the importance of collaboration and how with everyone working together this disease can be defeated.

Since 1950, MDA has invested more than $160 million in ALS research. The organization supports patients at 150 Care Centers, 48 of which are dedicated MDA ALS Care Centers throughout the US and currently has 52 active ALS grants totaling $12.2 million. A list of MDA ALS Care Centers can be seen in more detail here.

WHO/WHERE:  Dr. Matthew Harms, Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University, via satellite

                      

Lynn O’Connor Vos, President & CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Association, via satellite

WHEN:    Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 6:30 AM  – 11:00 AM EST

B-roll is available.

Note to producers, editors, and hosts: For more information on interview opportunities please contact Brendan O’Connell at 301-661-0022 or by e-mail at boconnell@straussmedia.com.

ABOUT THE SPOKESPEOPLE:

Dr. Matthew Harms, Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University, received his A.B. in Biology summa cum laude from Harvard University in 1997, and his medical doctorate from the University of California San Francisco in 2003. He is a leading researcher within the neuromuscular disease, and in particular, ALS.

Lynn O’Connor Vos, President & CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is a former pediatric nurse and an industry veteran credited with helping transform the marketing of healthcare. She is committed to accelerating treatments, cures and care together for every MDA family.

ABOUT Muscular Dystrophy Association:

Started in 1950, MDA has invested $160 million in ALS research, currently supports 48 designated MDA ALS Care Centers throughout the United States and has 52 active grants for $12.2 million.