The ALS Association Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Chapter History

We are proud of the service and support we have provided ALS patients, families, and caregivers since 1988. The Chapter has grown from a handful of volunteers serving about 100 families in 2000 to a staff of more than a dozen today reaching over 450 PALS in a seven-county area. We thank all the people who this possible: the volunteers, case managers, fundraisers, support group leaders, symposium speakers, donors, advocates, Chapter staff, and board members who made the Greater Los Angeles Chapter what it is today.

Please visit the links below celebrating the Chapter's history:

Click here to see a list of highlights from each year of the Chapter’s history. We will continue adding to the list of highlights as a permanent, ongoing chronicle.

Click here to see a photo album with hundreds of images from the Chapter’s history. Click on any photograph to see a larger version.

Click here to read an essay on the Chapter’s early history by Jeanne Kelly, who served as the Chapter's First Board Chair from 1988 to 1993.

Click here to read an interview with Jeanne Kelly.

Click here to read an interview with Ferne Hayes, who was a Chapter Volunteer from 1988 to 1998, served on the Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1994, and was a Chapter Staff Member from 1998 to 2005.

Click here to read an interview with Carol Econn, who served on the Chapter's Board of Trustees from 1995 to 2004, and has been an Advisory Trustee since 2004.

Click here to read an interview with Cecile Falk-Balser, who served on the Chapter's Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2005, and has been an Advisory Trustee since 2005.

Click here to read an interview with Molly Rockey, who served the Chapter in a number of positions from 2000 through 2006.

Click here to read an interview with Kathleen Rasmussen, who became the Chapter’s Board Chair in 2007.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to the Chapter's success!