Welcome to Your ALS Guide. We are here to help improve everyday quality of life for families impacted by ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). Find trusted information, practical tips, educational videos, expert advice, helpful resources, and more—all in one place.

Should you exercise with ALS?

We just rewrote our exercise page with the help of four ALS physical therapists. Learn about the potential benefits and risks of exercising with ALS, general guidelines, and developing an exercise program. Learn more

The Joel Goldhirsh ALS Home and Daily Living Guide

​This practical guide can help improve everyday quality of life and empower family and paid caregivers. Topics include mobility, transferring, bathing, dressing, eating, sleeping, mental health, leisure, and more. Visit Guide
Stay up-to-date on new content, equipment, ALS resources, and more.

ALS Equipment Guide

We have created a comprehensive online directory of medical equipment and assistive devices for people living with ALS. Learn about helpful products and purchase them if they are not already covered by insurance or available at a loan closet. Visit Guide

Who should get tested for genetic ALS?

Current guidelines state that anyone diagnosed with ALS should be offered genetic testing. Deciding whether or not to get tested is a highly individual decision. Read more

Get no-cost access to a genetic counselor

Light The Way is an online platform for those who have a diagnosis of ALS, family history of ALS, or symptoms of ALS. Light The Way can offer you a cost-free genetic test should you decide to have one, pre- and post-test genetic counseling, and educational materials. Learn more

Our Story

After losing Myna Stroth to ALS, our family partnered with her Director of Care Services and other experts to create this website for families facing similar challenges. Read more

Newly Diagnosed Guide

​Whether you've just been diagnosed with ALS, or whether it’s been a few months, this guide will walk you through the most important things you need to know. Visit Guide

ALS Clinics

In addition to improving your quality of life, attending an ALS clinic can extend your life by one year or more. Learn about ALS clinics and find a clinic.

Local Support

ALS nonprofit organizations can answer your questions, provide support, connect you to resources, and more. Find support services near you.

Family Caregivers

Taking good care of yourself can make you a better caregiver. There is no need to feel guilty. You can find self-care tips, interviews with caregivers, and more in our ALS Caregivers section.

Guide for Paid Caregivers

Many paid caregivers will have no ALS-specific training when they arrive at your home. To help improve quality of care, you can share our ALS Guide for Paid Caregivers with your caregivers. Visit Guide

Learning to Live with ALS

Mobility equipment, a supportive school community, and a slow-progressing case of ALS allowed Todd Kelly to continue teaching high school English for another six years after his diagnosis. He is now an active advocate for the ALS community. See interview

Who pays?

Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance usually cover the majority of medical expenses—including equipment—for ALS. Learn more

Veterans Benefits

Most U.S. military veterans diagnosed with ALS qualify for service-connected benefits that cover most expenses associated with ALS. Read more

Learn more about ALS

Our about ALS section includes video clips with Dr. Richard Bedlack and addresses topics such as symptoms, diagnosis, cause, progression, clinical trials, and approved drugs. Learn more