News & Stories
Our News & Stories section serves as a valuable resource for both the ALS community and media professionals to receive timely updates about ALS, our community, and the Golden West Chapter.
Be sure to sign up to receive our monthly enewsletter, news updates, and other important information from the Golden West Chapter of The ALS Association. For any media inquiries, please access this dedicated page.
Celebrating women making a difference in the fight against ALS
Women’s History Month (WHM) has been observed in the United States every March since 1987, and is dedicated to raising awareness of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. A…
Remembering Judy Heumann, disability rights leader (1947-2023)
The Golden West Chapter joins the world in mourning and celebrating the life and legacy of disability rights activist Judith “Judy” Heumann, who died March 4, 2023. Known as the…
Bay Area theater director perservering with ALS
East Bay theater director Erin Merritt is living with the debilitating effects of ALS, the degenerative nervous system disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Even though she struggles to…
Bay Area theater community rallies behind ailing director
Erin Merritt has been a powerful force in Bay Area theater for decades, as a director, actor, producer and as someone who all-around makes things happen. Founder of the all-female…
March 2023 | Monthly eNewsletter from the Golden West Chapter
This month, in celebration of Women’s History Month, we highlight women whose efforts are leading the way in raising awareness and support for our ALS community and our mission. Please…
This Bay Area artist has ALS and can’t speak — but she’s still directing her dream project
A year ago, Erin Merritt stopped being able to sing in tune during her car karaoke. Then the El Cerrito director, who has been working in Bay Area theater for…
ALS Around the Globe: Finding a Way for Gamers to Remain Gamers
Video games have come a long way since Atari produced Pong, the first home console game, in 1975. Today it would seem there are games to suit every interest under…
February 2023 | Monthly eNewsletter from the Golden West Chapter
This month, we celebrate those committed to collaboration and innovation to find effective treatments and cures for ALS, as well as increasing DEI in ALS research and care. Please check…