When you or a loved one is diagnosed with ALS, your first reaction is typically shock and fear. You may be overwhelmed and very emotional and have many questions. You might not have ever known anyone with ALS and feel alone - but you are not alone! There is support available and it is important to engage early and seek support. Resources available to help you through your journey with ALS are listed below and also available by item listed on the right side of this page.
**Patients can sign up for the email portal by calling 404-727-8820. Patients with speech problems, please have family call our office and leave their email address.**
Genetic Counseling at Emory ALS Center: Genetic counselors are medical professionals who can help individuals and families who are affected or at risk for hereditary forms of ALS navigate the genetic testing process. A genetic counselor can review your family history to determine the most appropriate genetic test and which family members should be offered genetic testing, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetic testing, and help you process the emotional impact of this information. Lauren Lichten, MS CGC is a licensed and certified Genetic Counselor who joined the Emory ALS Center team in 2019. She has over 15 years of clinical experience supporting families impacted by genetic conditions.
If you would like to arrange a visit with Ms.Lichten, email or call. Telephone and Videoconference appointments can be arranged.
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - Greater Atlanta and Greater Macon locations: MDA covers ALS as one of the 43 types of muscle debilitating conditions they cover. MDA has a family support team whose job is to meet families at their time of diagnosis and assist during times of need throughout the process.
The office is located at:
2310 Parklake Dr., Suite 375
Atlanta, GA 30345
770-621-9800.
ALS United of Georgia: ALS United of Georgia has Care Services team members who are
available to ALS patients and their families from the time of diagnosis. They will assess a
patient's needs, recommend equipment needed, and help families plan for the future.
ALS United of Georgia programs and services include an array of resources and support such
as:
- Support Groups, in-person and virtually, for patients, family members, caregivers and friends.
- The Kostiuk ALS Care Grant Program which provides some financial relief through a reimbursement grant to assist with family expenses. This program has guidelines and requires an application.
- The Sally Panfel In-Home Care & Respite Program provides in-home care, up to 18 hours/week, to people living with ALS and respite relief for their caregivers. This is a short-term program and requires an assessment and and application.
- The Paul B. Williams ALS Transportation Program addresses the need for non-emergency transportation, accessible van rentals, and van vouchers.
- Ricky P. Sweat ALS Equipment & Assistive Technology Program provides mobility equipment and augmentative communication devices when insurance and other programs cannot fund needed items.
ALS United of Georgia is a statewide organization serving ALS patients and their families
throughout Georgia. All of the above program information and applications can be found on
the ALS United of Georgia website.
ALS United of Georgia’s mailing address is:
227 Sandy Springs Place
Suite D, #304
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
NEALS Educational Webinars: In partnership with The ALS Association, NEALS offers live webinars for people with ALS, caregivers and the broader ALS community. Topics include updates on clinical trials, best practices for clinical care, and current research efforts in ALS causes and treatments. Our webinars also offer participants the opportunity to ask questions directly of the experts running clinical trials and conducting research activities.
View the full NEALS listing of webinars for people with ALS and caregivers.