ALS Society of BC
The ALS Society of BC was founded in 1981 by ALS patients, their family members and healthcare professionals to meet the physical and emotional needs of people living with ALS and their caregivers.
Mission Statement
To cure ALS through funding research, while advocating for and supporting people living with ALS.
Value Statement
Support – We’re always here to support ALS patients, their families and caregivers, striving to provide the best quality of life possible for those living with ALS.
Equal Access – Each ALS patient and their family has unique needs. We support everyone equitably.
Collaboration – From our team of staff and volunteers to global collaborators, we’re working together to help find a cure for ALS, and continually improve how we support ALS patients and their families.
Fiscal Responsibility – Our society operates responsibly and transparently, and our donors can remain confident in how we use their funds.
Dream Bigger – Through leadership in clinical trials, innovation, and scientific curiosity, we’ll help find a cure for ALS.
Vision – Long Term Goal – Aspiration
End ALS through a world class center at UBC.
Services Provided
Equipment Loan Program
Our Equipment Loan Program is designed to help people cope with the daily challenges of decreasing mobility and independence, through obtaining basic and essential assistive equipment. This includes mobility equipment, lift equipment, beds & accessories, communication devices, and bathroom aids if needed. All equipment loaned is available at no charge to registered ALS patient members.
Support Groups
Support groups provide an open, friendly and safe environment for ALS patients, family members, caregivers and friends to discuss issues related to living with ALS. Groups are facilitated by experienced volunteers.
Psychological Treatment Services
Psychological treatment services are available free of charge at locations across BC. Registered Psychologists and Clinical Counselors provide much-needed therapy and counselling to ALS Patients, their families and caregivers at any stage of the illness. Services will be provided throughout the disease and up to one-year following.
Day of Caring for Caregivers
Held every Fall in communities around BC, Caregivers Day is a chance for the full-time primary caregivers of ALS Patients to have a day of respite. This event allows for people who devote themselves to the care of their loved ones to come together and share experiences. It also provides the opportunity to learn how to take better care of themselves and how to cope with grief.
Camp Alohi Lani
In July or August, ALS BC hosts a camp for youth who have a Parent (or Grandparent in a significant role) Living with ALS. ALS BC is extremely pleased to be able to offer this weekend retreat at no cost to families. Camp Alohi Lani, which means ‘Bright Sky’ in Hawaiian, is a safe setting in which youth aged 8-17 years can come together and receive support for their own journey. Most importantly Camp Alohi Lani offers campers an opportunity to meet other youth from across BC and make connections with peers.
Care Connections
The primary purpose of forming a Care Connection is to reduce caregiver responsibilities and reduce the worry the person with ALS has about their caregiver. By caring for the caregiver, the person with ALS is helped as well. The ALS Society of BC’s Care Connection is a program to aid your own group of caring family and friends to help their loved ones with ALS and their caregivers.
PROJECT HOPE
We believe we are at the crossroads of unprecedented hope. There are over eighty (80) promising ALS therapies in the late stages of the clinical trials. Tragically the reality is all of this activity has been largely happening outside of Canada. British Columbians diagnosed with ALS must travel, at their own expense, to other provinces and countries to participate in ALS clinical trials. That is their only hope. It is our dream to End ALS through creating a world class ALS Centre at UBC. To that end, the ALS Society of BC has pledged to UBC to raise an additional $20M to see this come to fruition.
Mobile Clinics
In partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and the ALS Centre @ GF Strong Rehab Centre, the ALS Society of BC provides Mobile Clinics to outlying communities. ALS Centre healthcare professionals and an ALS Society of BC representative travel to clinic locations to provide follow-up appointments for people challenged to travel.
All that is required to access these programs is the patient’s registration with ALS Society of BC. No fees are charged. Services available to people living with ALS in British Columbia and the Yukon.