ALS Society of BC

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS / Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a neurodegeneration having shared characteristics with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. These are disorders of the aging Nervous System with a peak onset at about 60 years of age; however, the young onset of ALS is not rare. ALS affects about 2 per 100,000 persons, but at any given time, 4,000 people are living with ALS in Canada. 520 are in British Columbia and 5 are in the Yukon currently. ALS can happen to anyone at any time. ALS is rapidly progressive with an average life expectancy after diagnosis of 3 to 5 years.

The mission of the ALS Society of British Columbia is fund research toward a cure for ALS through funding research while advocating for and supporting people living with ALS. ALS progressively affects mobility and independence. Our programs include the Patient Services Program to support patients diagnosed with ALS along with their family members. These programs include the Equipment Loan Program, support groups, and more. ALS BC Project Hope for research and hopefully a cure to ALS.