Join US in the fight against ALS
Embrace your weak side so that others can be strong
#weaksidestrong is a simple challenge with a simple goal that can have a massive impact – finding a cure for ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological condition that causes the death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal column and with that the progressive loss of use of all parts of the body. We’re encouraging others to imagine what that might be like and help raise some money to fight it.
Start by doing something you love but with your opposite hand or foot. It could be as simple as shooting a jump shot or writing your name. Or you could make up something totally unique to you. Video or photograph yourself doing it, post it to social media using the hashtag #weaksidestrong, and tag some friends, challenging them to do the same. Then, give what you can to help find answers and develop new treatments to ultimately end ALS.
The #WEAKSIDESTRONG CHALLENGE
3 simple steps
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1. SHOW YOUR WEAKSIDESTRONG
Throw a ball. Take a jumper. Draw a self-portrait. Do something you love. But do it with your other hand or other foot. Take a photo or video while you do.
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2. CHALLENGE OTHERS
Post your photo or video to social. Tag your friends and challenge them to do better. Here’s some text that you can copy and paste to make it easier.
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3. MAKE A DONATION
Once you’ve got the word out, don’t forget to donate to any of the great medical research and patient advocacy organizations doing amazing work to beat ALS.
Chris’s Story
Chris Snow is an Assistant GM of the Calgary Flames. More importantly, he’s a husband, father of two, and an example of what advancements in medical research can achieve. In June of 2019, at age 37, Chris was diagnosed with ALS, not long after losing his own father, two uncles and a cousin to the same disease. He was given one year to live. Since his diagnosis, Chris has dedicated himself to the fight against ALS by raising awareness and encouraging financial support for organizations at the forefront of ALS research. He has pursued an experimental new therapy that has slowed the disease, helping Chris live to his 40th birthday – a day he thought he wouldn’t see. We’re using Chris’s story as inspiration for this challenge and as a source of hope that the money we raise will lead to a breakthrough that will help others.
Read more about Chris and his family
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New York Times
He thought A.L.S. would kill him within a year. After three, he’s watching his Calgary Flames in the playoffs.
May 3, 2022
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Boston Globe
They fell in love at Fenway Park. After a terminal diagnosis, they came home.
September 27, 2021
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Sports Illustrated
Facing a Dire Diagnosis, Flames Exec Chris Snow and His Family Find Hope in Hockey.
February 19, 2020
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Kelsie Snow Writes
Kelsie Snow is a freelance writer, podcaster and storyteller. She blogs about her family’s life since her husband, Chris, was diagnosed with ALS.
Someone is diagnosed with ALS
Every 90 minutes
Someone dies from ALS
Donate to Research
Help put an end to ALS by supporting any organization or foundation dedicated to the pursuit of a cure. Below are eight institutions deeply committed to advancements in ALS research and treatment with links to directly donate. And if you choose to give, please make your donation in the name of #weaksidestrong. Thank you.
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A pioneer in familial ALS research, the Miller School has discovered a biomarker that presents before symptom onset in SOD1 familial ALS. The result is the first-ever pre-symptomatic ALS clinical trial.
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The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center provides comprehensive care, education, and support for patients and includes an integrated research program to develop new treatments and ultimately a cure.
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The Frontotemporal Degeneration Center conducts multidisciplinary research and collaborates with institutions across the globe to better understand the clinical, genetic and biological mechanisms of ALS.
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Neuroscientists across Johns Hopkins Medicine, the ALS Clinical Trials Unit, and the Packard Center work to understand ALS biology, identify new therapies and biomarkers, and encourage data and resource sharing.
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UC San Diego’s Neurological Institute is leading breakthrough clinical trials in search of treatments for ALS. Research focuses on familial and sporadic ALS with special interest in the C9ORF72 and ATXN2 genes.
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Patient founded by Brian Wallach and his wife Sandra, I AM ALS is revolutionizing how we cure ALS by empowering and mobilizing patients, engaging policy makers and offering vital resources.
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Patient founded by former NFL player Steve Gleason, Team Gleason has provided more than $20 million in technology, equipment, care services and adventure to more than 20,000 people living with ALS.
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The Calgary Flames Foundation, in partnership with patient Chris Snow and his wife Kelsie, has raised and distributed $440,000 to help fund coordinated research initiatives and clinical trials across Canada.