*** NEWS FROM ALSA:  ALS RESEARCH ALERT ***

ALS Prevalence Studies Underway Near Hazardous Waste Sites

People with ALS encouraged to identify themselves in study areas

August 3, 2004

Responding to community concerns, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is funding an environmental health program to determine the prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in areas surrounding hazardous waste sites in five states.

The neurodegenerative disease, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy.   Patients usually survive between two and five years from the time of diagnosis.

Researchers are focusing on communities near hazardous waste sites in Illinois , Massachusetts , Missouri , Texas and Washington .  Separate studies also are ongoing to determine the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Missouri , Illinois , Texas , Washington , Massachusetts and Ohio .

The ALS Association (ALSA) and its network of chapters is providing assistance in these studies through the coordination of efforts to identify people with ALS in the study areas.  In most cases, patients are being identified through their neurologists.

CLICK HERE to read this article in its entirety. 

New Webcast Series Reveals Potential for Neurodegenerative Disease Market Benefits to Patients, Biotech Firms, Pharmaceutical Firms

Palo Alto, CA September 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE)    Today, 7 million persons -- one out of every 40 -- in the U.S. are afflicted with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis  (ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or other neuro-degenerative diseases. It could take 10 or 20 years, or more to find cures for these horrible illnesses. However, there may be a much shorter path to cures that benefit patients and open a multibillion dollar marketplace for innovative biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

The potential is described in a new Webcast series, produced by Killen & Associates. The series is titled "The Neurodegenerative Disease Market:   Opportunities to Solve the Mysteries of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and Other Devastating Illnesses." (Go to http://www.killen.com/ndd/trailer for a multimedia trailer of the series.) 

One Life To Give:  
Michael Zaslow Bravely Fought Lou Gehrig's Disease
People Magazine, December 21, 1998

In January 1998, Emmy Award winning actor Michael Zaslow joined friends and colleagues to form ZazAngels, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for ALS research.  Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a neuromuscular disease that robs people of their ability to speak, move and finally to breathe, while the mind remains unaffected.  Michael succumbed to ALS on December 6, 1998, little more than a year after his official diagnosis.

ALS is not a rare disease.  The incidence of ALS is about equal to Multiple Sclerosis, but because ALS is brutal and brief, there are fewer voices to advocate for treatment.  However, ongoing scientific breakthroughs are bringing us closer to a cure for ALS and its sister diseases, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. 

With your generous support, Michael Zaslow's ZazAngels is funding research in the following high priority areas:
     
     -Environmental Factors
     -Discovery and Development of New Drugs and Treatment
     -Viral Factors in ALS
     -Stem Cells - Therapeutic Potential

Proceeds from  ZazAngels' February 10, 2003 benefit, "Sing For A Cure", supported the work of Clive Svendsen, Ph.D.  Dr. Svendsen is a highly noted researcher in the area of stem cell therapy and is associated with the Waisman Center,  University of Wisconsin.  The Waisman Center is home to stem cell pioneer James Thomson, Ph.D., who first isolated human embryonic stem cells.  A Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation Grantee, Dr. Svendsen was recruited by The Lou Gehrig Challenge: Cure ALS Advisory Committee to apply his knowledge of stem cell research in Parkinson's disease to ALS.

ZazAngels remains committed to realizing Michael's goal of finding A CURE for ALS.   Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to Michael Zaslow's ZazAngels c/o the ALS Association of Greater New York, 116 John Street, Suite 1304, New York, NY 10038.

Research Update, January  2003:  Click here to read about developments in  ZazAngels/ALSA NY funded research.

Michael's Dream Lives On:
Create Awareness, Find a Cure, Victory Over ALS!  

January 25, 1999:  
Love Letters For Michael
Alec Baldwin and Kim Zimmer lead an all-star lineup in paying tribute to Michael Zaslow.  

April 10, 2000:
ZazAngels Presents "Tuesdays With Morrie"
Jerry Stiller, Vincent Irizarry and Kaity Tong star in a special stage adaptation of Mitch Albom's extraordinary and inspirational best-selling book.

May 1, 2000:
Love Letters of Hope
Kim Zimmer and Keir Dullea star in a special presentation of "Love Letters" at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C.

May 6, 2001:
Meir Ribalow's "The Nature of the Universe"
Brian Dennehy and Blythe Danner star in Meir Ribalow's "The Nature of the Universe" at the Neil Simon Theater.

February 10, 2003:
ZazAngels "Sing For A Cure"on Broadway 
ZazAngels' Fourth Annual Broadway Benefit was an all-star tribute to Richard Rodgers.

March 8, 2004:
"Let's Get Lucky! : Sing For  A Cure"
ZazAngels' Fifth Annual Broadway Benefit 

INFORMATION ABOUT ALS CLUSTER RESEARCH IN CONNECTICUT

Pair seek proof of a cluster
Many ALS cases in Pomperaug area

Tuesday, November 26, 2002

By Chris Gardner
© 2002 Republican-American

There is still no proof of a cluster of Lou Gehrig's disease in western Connecticut, but Susan Hufford and Ray Chenkus remain suspicious.

Hufford, who lives part-time in Roxbury, and Chenkus, of Southbury, lost their spouses to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the fatal neuromuscular disorder that killed baseball great Lou Gehrig in 1941.

Eighteen months ago, they asked residents of western Connecticut to contact them if they knew someone who had ALS, a rare disease that affects two out of every 100,000 people in the United States.

CLICK HERE to read this article in its entirety.

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Remembering Michael ...

Michael Zaslow was one of the most talented, charismatic and popular actors in daytime television history, and his absence is keenly felt.  Three separate sections of this website are devoted to remembering Michael's years as Roger Thorpe  (1971-80; 89-97), the Roger & Holly  story, and the life and loves of  David Renaldi,  featuring  David and Jenny's very romantic love story (1983-86; 1998).  Each is a tribute to the special characters, scenes and stories Michael brought to life in his own inimitable, award-winning style.  Each site is a work-in-progress, and is updated regularly.  Just click on the banners below, and visit often.  Your ideas, contributions, and requests are welcome! ThorpeRenaldi@michaelzaslow.com

Email us at zazangels@michaelzaslow.com

Copyright © 1999 by Michael Zaslow's ZazAngels. All rights reserved.
10/07/04 11:46:07 PM