Carrie Nans with the ALS Association

In This Episode of Kunes Car Convos

1:10 - Walk to Defeat ALS
2:28 - 90% of ALS is Sporadic
3:50 - Loaning Equipment

In a recent episode of Kunes Car Convos, Chris Miranda, the Regional General Manager of the Madison region, sat down with Carrie Nans, Managing Director of Development for the ALS Association, to talk about ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and the upcoming Walk to Defeat ALS event. This conversation offered valuable insights into the ALS Association’s mission, support services, and the ongoing fight to find a cure for this devastating disease.

One of the highlights of the conversation was the upcoming Walk to Defeat ALS, scheduled for Sunday, October 20th. Carrie emphasized how this event brings together ALS families, supporters, and companies to raise awareness and much-needed funds for research, advocacy, and care services. The walk serves as an opportunity to unite the community in the fight against ALS, with Carrie inviting individuals and teams to register and join the cause.

According to Carrie, the funds raised from the event go directly toward improving the lives of those affected by ALS. This includes critical care services that provide durable medical equipment through a loan program, support groups for families, and advocacy efforts at the state level. The walk is also a platform to raise awareness about ALS and its devastating impact on families.

Carrie’s passion for the ALS mission is deeply personal. She shared her experience of losing her father to ALS and how that led her to become involved with the organization. This personal connection has fueled her dedication to finding a cure for ALS, a disease that remains largely a mystery with 90% of cases being sporadic and 10% tied to familial genetics.

Carrie highlighted how ALS is a costly disease, both emotionally and financially, which makes the work of the ALS Association even more crucial. From equipment loans to research, the organization works tirelessly to ease the burden on families and to push the needle forward in finding treatments.

The conversation also shed light on the comprehensive care services offered by the ALS Association. Their team provides a range of services aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals living with ALS. This includes loaning out medical equipment, offering support groups for both caregivers and family members, and working at the state level to advocate for policies that benefit ALS patients and their families.

These care services are designed to meet the specific needs of ALS patients, ensuring that they have access to the resources and support they need throughout their journey. From specialized equipment to emotional support, the ALS Association plays a vital role in the lives of families affected by the disease.

Looking forward, Carrie discussed the future of ALS research and the ongoing efforts to build greater awareness about the disease. While the ALS Association was founded in 1985, there is still a long way to go in terms of public awareness and understanding of the disease. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that currently has no cure, and the average life expectancy for someone diagnosed with ALS is 2-5 years.

The ALS Association is dedicated to finding a cure, but they also focus on improving the quality of life for those living with ALS by pushing for earlier diagnosis and better treatment options. Carrie emphasized the importance of continued research into the causes of ALS and how the organization is working to move the needle forward in terms of treatments.

As the episode wrapped up, Chris Miranda expressed his gratitude for the partnership with the ALS Association. He spoke about the shared mission of raising awareness and making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. He also looked forward to the upcoming Ice Bucket Challenge and Walk to Defeat ALS, both of which will help generate even more awareness and support for the cause.