What We Do
The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter is proud to advocate for PALS and their families to our elected officials on both the local and national levels. Our Chapter is working diligently to raise the awareness and funding needed for patient services and nationally directed research to find a cause and cure. Advocacy for research, health and long-term care, and caregiver support are the primary goals of The ALS Association’s Advocacy efforts. With our national organization, our past efforts have achieved increased funding through the Department of Defense for ALS research. We’ve brought the ALS community the historic Medicare waiver of the 24-month waiting period. For more information about our program or to become an advocate, visit our advocacy page or email Jerry Dawson at jerry@CatfishChapter.org.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a disease with no known cause or cure. By funding groundbreaking research, The ALS Association is able to provide A Reason for Hope for our PALS and families. With the help of our nation’s top medical professionals and researchers, ALSA is doing more now than ever to fund cutting edge projects and collaborations. For our most recent research updates, visit our research site or email Sue Humphries at sue@CatfishChapter.org.
Even 60 years after his death, ALS is still often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter is working to educate the public about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to bring increased understanding of this disease and its implications. We have extensive materials and information packets specifically designed for medical professionals. Additionally, we are willing to speak to clubs and organizations about ALS. Please contact Megan Gardner at megan@CatfishChapter.org for more information.
The mission of The ALS Association is to help PALS live with ALS. We are working hard to extend our patient services everyday to better help those living with ALS in North Carolina. Currently, The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter is proud to facilitate 8 support groups for patients and caregivers, fund ALS Clinics, and provide a generous grant program, with respite, augmentative communications and transportation grants. For more information about these services, visit our Chapter Services page or email Sue Humphries at sue@CatfishChapter.org.
The Catfish Chapter is dedicated to providing key services to PALS and funding cutting-edge research. To do so, we depend heavily on fundraising efforts across North Carolina. Our biggest fundraiser is our national signature Walk to Defeat ALS. In 2007, the Walk raised over $16 million nationwide! In North Carolina, our Chapter has 7 Walks. For more information, visit our Walk homepage or email our Special Events staff at walk@CatfishChapter.org. The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter sponsors many types of other events, including golf tournaments and silent auctions. Click here to view a list of our upcoming Chapter events. If you are interested in hosting an event to benefit The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, please contact Megan Gardner at megan@CatfishChapter.org.
