First-ever WashU ALS Symposium brings national ALS community together | Neurology

Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, their caregivers, friends, family and medical providers who specialize in ALS treatment and research had the opportunity to connect at the first-ever Washington University ALS Symposium Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. The event, hosted by the Washington University Department of Neurology ALS Center, was held at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC) on the Washington University Medical School Campus in St. Louis.

Designed for participants in the Center’s clinical research studies and their caregivers, the symposium offered sessions on the current ALS research efforts taking place at WashU and clinical care resources available at the clinic. Attendees heard a keynote address from Timothy Miller, MD, PhD, co-director of the ALS Center and the David Clayson Professor of Neurology, a presentation on clinical perspectives and patient care from Amber Malcolm, NP, and Kelly McCoy Gross, RN.

A highlight of the symposium was a panel of five individuals who shared their personal experiences either living with the disease themselves or caring for a loved one diagnosed with ALS. “We get care from the ALS Center,” one panelist said, “and we get hope from the research.”

ALS Center directors Miller and Robert Bucelli, MD, PhD, and other members of the ALS clinical team were on hand to field questions from the audience in an open question and answer session. And the day ended with a tribute to all those who have lost their lives to ALS and to those who keep fighting to discover a cure. The full agenda can be viewed below.

Overall, the ALS Symposium was a beautiful day filled with compassion and hope for those living with ALS, caretakers, family members and those who endlessly search for a treatment.

It was great bringing everyone together and a space to connect.
Kate Gordon, event organizer