A Helping Hand for ALS

The Busby Foundation’s efforts are focused on collecting and distributing necessary aid and resources to families facing ALS in Central Texas. Working alongside the National ALS Association, its goal is that these resources will alleviate the challenges of living with ALS and provide a higher quality of life for the loved ones afflicted and their caretakers as they battle this disease.

It’s because of people like you, who take the time to learn more about the disease that make this work possible. We hope while you are here, you will learn more about the work we do and become inspired to participate in any way you can.

Our Mission

The Busby Foundation empowers Central Texas ALS patients and their families by providing support and assistance in an effort to comfort them and address the overwhelming demands and lifestyle changes that come with the disease.

Our Goal

It is the Foundation’s goal to bring people and resources together to help families face ALS with dignity and strength. All of our efforts are focused on collecting and distributing the necessary help and resources to local Central Texas families facing ALS.

Our Legacy

The Busby Foundation was created in November 2001 by friends and colleagues of the late Bo Busby to honor his life and legacy. Bo courageously fought ALS and yet, still helped other, less fortunate fellow ALS patients and their families by providing assistance in many ways. It is in that spirit that we continue to serve other Central Texas families touched by this tragic disease.

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.

“It takes special people to reach out and help someone, to touch a family by giving and caring. I will never forget what The Busby Foundation did for us. You never know when you may be in this type of situation.”

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
Learn More Donate Today
$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)

Busby Foundation - Support for ALS

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.

Learn how