Mission of Answer ALS

Answer ALS is a global project dedicated to developing and implementing a unified strategy to stop Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) through an aggressively funded agenda. We achieve change through unifying our global community toward agreed upon goals in research, science, technology and education.

Answer ALS originated as a result of the 2013 ALS Team Gleason Summit, which brought together leading researchers, patients, caregivers and advocates. The event was spearheaded by former NFL player Steve Gleason who lives with ALS and founded the ALS advocacy group, Team Gleason. The goal of the Summit was to create a plan to find a treatment or cure for ALS as quickly as possible. Within a year after the Summit, that strategic plan was developed and is now, Answer ALS.

An aggressive initial funding effort for the Answer ALS Research Program was led by Jay Fishman, former Chairman and CEO of The Travelers Companies and ALS Finding a Cure (a project of the Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation). After being diagnosed with ALS, Jay Fishman said, “I looked for the most aggressive project with the greatest possibility of yielding results through rapid benchmarks and milestones. This was that project.” Through his efforts and those of The Rizzuto family and Foundation, Answer ALS became a reality.

Now, the list of partners has grown to include: The Fishman Family and ALS Finding a Cure (a project of the Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation), Travelers, the National Football League, the PGA TOUR, The Bari Lipp Foundation, American Airlines, Warlick’s Warriors’ Aviators Against ALS, Stay Strong vs ALS, Team Gleason, Microsoft and many other generous partners.

Our Teams are headquartered in New Orleans, LA and Washington, D.C. with research partners, advocates, members, and donors around the world.

Answer ALS from Answer ALS on Vimeo.