ALS UNITED MID-ATLANTIC'S
FLAME OF HOPE AWARDS
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FLAME OF HOPE AWARDS
The Flame of Hope Awards highlight individuals who exemplify ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s mission priorities of Care Services, Advocacy, and Research & Innovation.
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Advocacy:
Gary Goldstein
Gary Goldstein is a dedicated advocate for the ALS cause as a loving tribute to his wife Paula, who passed away from ALS in 2013.
Since Paula’s passing, Gary has shared her story with state and federal lawmakers to encourage them to fully fund ALS care and research, including multiple visits to Washington, DC.
Through his advocacy, Gary has built lasting relationships with others impacted by ALS. Gary has also supported ALS United Mid-Atlantic as a Community Ambassador, a Visiting Volunteer, and through the Paula J. Goldstein Memorial Fund.
Care Services:
Kathy Valentino, MSW,
Kathy Valentino, MSW, is a clinical social worker with the Joan Dancy & PALS Foundation, where she has served the needs of people living with ALS and their loved ones since 2008. From the very beginning, Kathy has worked closely with the ALS United Mid-Atlantic Care Services team to ensure people living with ALS and their families receive essential services and support. This partnership has benefited countless families in Central New Jersey over the last 17 years.
Among her many roles as a social worker, Kathy provides assessments and interventions for people with ALS and their caregivers; coordinates care plans; assists veterans with navigating the Veterans Administration; facilitates group discussions; and provides compassionate guidance in end-of-life care.
Research & Innovation:
The ALS Therapy Development Institute
The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) was founded in 1999 by Jamie Heywood for his brother Stephen, who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 29. When Jamie realized there were no treatments available for Stephen, he set out to change that by creating the world’s first nonprofit biotech company.
Today, ALS TDI is the largest drug discovery institute in the world focused solely on finding treatments for ALS. ALS United Mid-Atlantic has invested in important research projects at ALS TDI, including a Biotek Biospa Automated Incubator to run significantly more cell-based assays in iPS cell motor neurons.
In recent years, ALS TDI has supported the ALS United Mid-Atlantic community by collaborating on our Help and Hope Symposium, podcasts, and advocacy efforts.