Our Chapter

June Thompson founded The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter in 1987 to serve the needs of ALS patients and caregivers. In 2000, the Chapter expanded its services to include South Carolina and became know as the Carolinas’ Chapter. In August of 2002, the Carolinas’ Chapter was renamed the Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter to honor a North Carolina hero and to bring further recognition to our cause. In early 2006, a new South Carolina Chapter was formed and again our service area changed. We now provide services for just the state of North Carolina.

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease.

The ALS Association (National Office and the Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter) operates under a shared mission: Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

We work together to accomplish our mission. The Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter focuses primarily on helping local patients and families live with ALS while the National Office focuses primarily on research and advocacy. The Chapter supports the National Office through revenue sharing and research contributions. The National Office supports the Chapters by providing up-to-date information and materials.

Our accomplishments are made possible by the generosity of others. From the smallest donation to the largest gift, donors touch the ALS community with hope for the future.

Chapter Recognition

Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter Named Chapter of the Year for Second Year in a Row

North Carolina's Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter Named Chapter of the Year

Catfish Chapter President Named Advocate of the Year