MAY 2017 36 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM GIVING BACK CONTINUED The STORY ALS Association Arizona Chapter was founded in 1991 to serve those living with ALS, their families and caregivers. The association currently serves approximately 450 patients across the state by providing equipment, transportation to medical care, access to their three medical centers, emotional support for the entire family and more. ALS is also an expensive disease, often costing upwards of $200,000 a year, including the loss of wages. The ALS Association is able to help mitigate those costs through several of their programs. “Through our equipment loan programs we sometimes have $60,000 to $70,000 in equipment in someone’s home at one time,” Norley said. In addition to providing support and resources for those affected by ALS, the association funds research and awareness efforts. “The local ALS chapter does a great job of supporting patients and their families, but also of funding research locally,” said Bowser. The ALS Association has funded more than $99 million in research and clinical management projects since 1985 and is closer to finding a cure than ever. “I think we’re getting close on some treatment options,” said Norley. “Now we have to consider what we’re going to do and how we’ll continue to support our patients when this treatment comes.” Photos from last year's Bite Nite event courtesy of ALS Association of Arizona

MAY 2017 FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM | 37 I think we’re getting close on some treatment options,” said Norley. “Now we have to consider what we’re going to do and how we’ll continue to support our patients when this treatment comes.” GIVING BACK CONTINUED THE EVENT visit webaz.alsa.org For More Information The ALS Association Arizona chapter is heading into its ninth annual Bite Nite fundraising event. Now, the association hosts two events a year, Bite Nite Phoenix and Bite Nite Tucson. Since the events began, they’ve raised over a million dollars. Bite Nite Phoenix will take place Saturday, June 3 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and Bite Nite Tucson will take place Saturday, August 26 at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Attendees will enjoy bites from several top restaurants, such as North and Bourbon Steak, cocktails, live entertainment, a silent auction, live auction, speeches by ALS patients and more. “I’m looking forward to another stellar event as always, and seeing some of the patients come out with their families and enjoy themselves,” said Bowser, who attended for several years before becoming co-chair of the event. Each year at the event features speeches by ALS patients who reflect on their experience on the disease, and speak to the resources provided by the ALS Association. “The event is such a good mix of message and fun,” said Norley. “What I love most is getting to see patients interact with each other.”