Campaign to Increase the Awareness and Understanding of Lou Gehrig's Disease Reaches 22 U...( Non-Profit Biotech Calls on the Entir...)

Non-Profit Biotech Calls on the Entire ALS Community to Join a Nationwide Network of Independence Day Events

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) announced its BBQ For ALS Awareness, is a national initiative designed to increase the awareness and understanding of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. To accomplish its goal, the campaign brings together three undoubtedly American activities on July 4th, 2009 -- an Independence Day celebration, the traditional summer barbecue (BBQ), and America's pastime -- baseball.

"The only weapon we currently have against this disease is raising awareness and funds for research. The BBQ For ALS Awareness program is a simple and fun way to accomplish both, and an important opportunity for everyone to help fight against this deadly disease", said Michelle Dupree, a volunteer ALS TDI Advisory Council member. Ms. Dupree has helped to organize several BBQ For ALS Awareness events in the greater Sea Bright, N.J. area where she lives. Michelle became one of the first ALS TDI Ambassadors shortly after her friend Pam Callahan was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 30,000 Americans at any given time.

ALS TDI, the world's first non-profit biotech and largest research center focused exclusively on developing ALS therapeutics, has two goals for the BBQ For ALS Awareness initiative, 100 events and at least one in each U.S. state. So far there are events confirmed in 22 states, including, family and neighborhood BBQ's, as well as events at restaurants and sports bars. Each will take place on July 4, 2009 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous Yankee Stadium farewell speech. All funds raised at BBQ For ALS Awareness events will go to support the research at ALS TDI. Participants in the BB
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