Stevens, ALS group form alliance

By Joanne Peterson
special to Edmonds Beacon

EDMONDS, Washington (STPNS) -- The ALS Association’s Evergreen Chapter and Stevens Hospital have announced an alliance to provide the first local support group for ALS patients, their families and caregivers.

Meetings will begin as soon as arrangements can be finalized. The progressive neurological disease ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, has no known cure.

Patients and families seldom have access to professionally organized and directed support groups, according to Mary Rebar, patient care coordinator for the ALS Evergreen chapter. She will coordinate the services to be made available under the new partnership.

The Stevens Hospital board and management have pledged enthusiastic support to a project dedicated to helping local residents whose lives have been profoundly affected by ALS.

One such individual is Peggy Pritchard-Olson, an Edmonds City Council member and a community activist.

Peggy Olson has ALS, and her courage in dealing with her diagnosis inspires both her colleagues and her loyal constituents. She was elected to a second term last fall by acclamation – no one even challenged her for her council seat.

“This alliance between the ALS Association and Stevens will definitely help patients and their loved ones deal with the complexities of the disease,” says councilor Olson. “It's so important to raise awareness of ALS, and it's wonderful that the hospital is getting involved. My husband Norm and I plan to attend the meetings as soon as they begin.”

For more information about the support program call Mary Rebar, ALS Association, Evergreen chapter, at 1-(360)-733-5222.


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