ALS Awareness & Research

Every Second Counts in the
Fight Against ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis robs people of movement, voice, and independence. Your donation funds the research that could change everything — for the 500,000 people living with ALS worldwide right now.

Donate to Research Learn About ALS
500,000 People worldwide with ALS
150,000+ New diagnoses per year globally
2–5 yrs Average life expectancy
100% Fatal without treatment
Understanding ALS

What Is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

ALS — also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease — is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. Over time, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle movement, leading to total paralysis.

  • ALS does not affect a person's ability to think, see, hear, taste, or smell in most cases
  • Military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population
  • There is no known single cause and no cure — only FDA-approved treatments to slow progression
  • ALS affects people of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Research breakthroughs in gene therapy and stem cells offer new hope

A Disease of the Motor Neurons

ALS progressively destroys the upper and lower motor neurons — the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that send signals to the body's muscles. As these neurons die, the brain loses all ability to control movement.


"When the motor neurons can no longer send impulses to the muscles, the muscles begin to waste away, causing increasing paralysis."

Why This Foundation Exists

In Memory of Judith A. Mendoza de Rancel

"

My aunt Judith was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. She was one of the most vibrant, loving people I have ever known. Over the next few years, I watched ALS take away her movement, her voice, and eventually her life in 2026. She fought with a grace and strength I will never forget. I am Santiago Mendoza — a junior in high school — and losing her is what moved me to build this foundation. Judith deserved a cure. So does everyone who comes after her. That is why EndALS exists.

SM
Santiago Mendoza
Founder, EndALS · In memory of Judith A. Mendoza de Rancel

Her Story Is Our Mission

Judith's fight is the reason every dollar raised here goes straight to research. No one else should lose someone they love to a disease with no cure — not while we can do something about it.

Donate in Her Honor
Remembering Judith

A Life Full of Joy

Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith Judith
Judith
Key Breakthroughs

The Road to Understanding ALS

Over 150 years of discovery — each milestone bringing us closer to a cure.

1869ALS First DescribedFrench neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot identifies and names amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
1939Lou Gehrig's DiagnosisYankees legend Lou Gehrig is diagnosed, delivering his iconic "luckiest man" farewell speech and bringing national awareness.
1993SOD1 Gene DiscoveredScientists identify the first gene linked to ALS — a watershed moment that opens the door to genetic research.
1995First FDA TreatmentRiluzole becomes the first FDA-approved drug for ALS, modestly extending survival for the first time.
2014Ice Bucket ChallengeThe viral campaign raises $115M+ and funds the discovery of the NEK1 gene — proving awareness drives science.
2017Edaravone ApprovedRadicava becomes the second FDA-approved ALS drug, shown to slow functional decline in certain patients.
2023First Gene-Targeted TherapyTofersen (Qalsody) is approved for SOD1-ALS — the first treatment targeting a root genetic cause of the disease.
NextYour Donation Funds What's NextGene therapies, stem cells, and AI-powered drug discovery are advancing rapidly. Help write the next chapter.
$1B+

Invested in ALS research since the Ice Bucket Challenge

450,000

People worldwide living with ALS at any given time

90%

Of ALS cases have no known family history

6

FDA-approved drugs to help slow ALS progression

The Growing Crisis

ALS Diagnoses Are Rising

The number of people diagnosed with ALS worldwide each year continues to grow — reinforcing the urgency for research funding.

New ALS diagnoses per year worldwide (estimated)
Your Donation at Work

How Your Gift Fuels Progress

Every dollar you give goes directly toward life-changing research, patient care, and raising awareness in communities across the country.

100% Goes to Programs

Laboratory Research

Funds scientists studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms of ALS to discover new drug targets and therapies.

$25 → covers lab supplies for 1 day

Clinical Trials

Supports multi-center trials testing promising new treatments, including gene therapies and neuroprotective drugs.

$50 → funds one patient visit

Patient Support

Provides equipment loans, caregiver respite, support groups, and case management for families facing ALS.

$100 → 1 week of equipment

Advocacy & Awareness

Educates the public and lawmakers, pushing for more funding and faster drug approvals at the federal level.

$10 → reaches 100 people

Research Fellowships

Trains the next generation of ALS scientists through competitive grants and mentorship programs.

$500 → 1 day of fellowship

Global Collaboration

Connects researchers worldwide through data sharing platforms and international conferences.

$75 → 1 data sharing session
Progress Tracker

The Road to a Cure

We've come further than ever. Here's where we stand — and where your donation takes us next.

Understanding the Disease
Complete
Identifying Key Genes
Complete
First Treatments Approved
Complete
Gene-Targeted Therapies
In Progress
A Cure for ALS
Help Us Get Here
Understanding the Disease
Identifying Key Genes
First Treatments Approved
Gene-Targeted Therapies
A Cure for ALS
Your donation moves us closer to the finish line.
The People Behind the Mission

Our Team

Santiago Mendoza

Santiago Mendoza

Founder, EndALS

I'm a high school junior from Miami who believes that young people have the power to drive real change. After experiencing the impact of ALS firsthand within my own family, I knew I couldn't just stand by. I channeled that energy into building EndALS — a platform to raise awareness, connect people to resources, and fund the research that will bring us closer to a cure.

What started as a personal mission has grown into something much bigger. Through this foundation, I've partnered with The ALS Association, organized fundraisers, and built a community of supporters who share the same belief: that no one should face a diagnosis with no hope. This fight is far from over, and I'm committed to seeing it through.

Santiago with Judith Santiago with Judith
Testimonials

Voices of Hope

Every person behind an ALS diagnosis is a story of courage, love, and resilience.

My husband was diagnosed at 52. The research funded by donations like yours gave us two extra years together — years full of meaning, laughter, and love. Please keep giving.

MR
Margaret R.
Caregiver, Texas

My aunt Judith was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. She fought with a grace and strength I will never forget. Judith deserved a cure. That is why EndALS exists.

SM
Santiago M.
Founder, Florida

Our family has raised over $40,000 in our mother's name. The progress researchers are making gives us real hope that no other family will go through what we did.

TL
The Lopez Family
Fundraisers, California

I was diagnosed three years ago. The support groups and equipment I received changed my daily life. Knowing researchers are fighting for a cure keeps me going.

DK
David K.
Patient, Ohio

Caring for my sister with ALS is the hardest and most meaningful thing I have ever done. The caregiver resources funded by this community have been a lifeline for our family.

ST
Sarah T.
Caregiver, Georgia

I never knew anyone with ALS until my coworker was diagnosed. Watching his courage changed my perspective. I donate monthly because I believe a cure is possible in our lifetime.

JW
James W.
Supporter, New York

My father fought ALS for four years. He never once complained. His strength taught me that giving up is never an option. I fundraise in his honor every year.

PM
Patricia M.
In Memory, Illinois

After my diagnosis, I felt hopeless. But the community here — the stories, the support, the researchers who refuse to quit — gave me a reason to keep fighting every single day.

RL
Robert L.
Patient, Michigan

We started a walk team in my mom's name three years ago. Last year, 200 people showed up. This community doesn't just raise money — it raises hope.

AK
Aliza K.
Family, New Jersey
See All Community Stories →
Get Help & Learn More

ALS Resources

Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or someone who wants to get involved — these resources are here to help.

ALS Association

The nation's largest ALS nonprofit — offering care services, research funding, and advocacy at every level.

Visit als.org →

ALS TDI

ALS Therapy Development Institute — the world's largest ALS research facility fully dedicated to finding treatments.

Visit als.net →

Caregiver Support

Resources, guides, and respite care options to help those who care for a loved one living with ALS.

Find a support group →

ALS Helpline

Speak with a trained specialist 24/7 for guidance on diagnosis, care, and available services in your area.

1-800-782-4747

Clinical Trials

Find open ALS clinical trials near you. Participation helps advance research and may give access to new treatments.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov →

Patient Toolkit

A comprehensive guide covering diagnosis, treatment options, communication aids, and end-of-life planning.

Download free toolkit →

Together, We Will End ALS

Join our community of supporters who believe that no one should have to face ALS alone — and that a cure is possible in our lifetime.

Donate Today Learn More
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