What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (often called Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a progressive, fatal disease caused by the degeneration of the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. ALS causes these nerve cells to stop working and die, which leads to muscle weakness and paralysis and eventually death.
Lou Gehrig, with whom ALS is most commonly associated, first brought national and international attention to the disease back in 1939 when he abruptly retired from professional baseball after being diagnosed with ALS.
It is estimated that more than 30,000 Americans may be living with ALS at any given time. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries and can affect anyone.
As the disease spreads from one area to the next, leading to weakness in all of the limbs, inability to speak or swallow, and difficulties with breathing. The person living with ALS becomes dependent on others for everything.
Unlike many cancers and diseases, the cause of ALS is not completely understood and there is no cure. Advances in science slowly make progress in understanding this disease and how to one day be able to treat it.
There is a wealth of new scientific understanding about the physiology of this disease and a growing volume of information on the Internet for ALS families. Questions and answers about coping with the disease are available at the ALS Association website.
Our Impact
The Busby Foundation is focused on easing the burden of every day challenges ALS brings to families and individuals. For over 20 years, we have have helped Central Texas families by
- Providing financial “gap” assistance until federal agencies’ aid begins.
- Directing families on available resources to assist them during these challenging times.
- Constructing wheelchair and incorporating handicap access features into their home.
- Assisting with home healthcare and nursing aid.
- Supplying transportation vouchers to help with hospital visits.
- Donating services to help families secure wheelchairs, breathing equipment, stair lifts and other mobility devices.
- Making a lifetime lasting memory through the Making Memories Program
- Supporting the children of ALS families through the Educational Gifting Program
$1.1M
Over $1M Gifted to ALS Families
20
Over 20 Years of Giving
48
Central Texas Cities
517
Number of Applicants
61
Average Age of Applicant
25
Charity Events Held (And Counting)
Is Your Loved One Living With ALS?
If your loved one resides in Central Texas, then we may be able to help them overcome some of the challenges they face as the disease progresses.
