ALS Podcast

Episode 54 Bob Grimes

Bob Grimes is loving husband to Despina, who has been living with ALS for ten years. He appreciates every day with her, but he also realizes that he needs help along the way to be a caregiver and to relieve some of his own stress. In addition to using the clinic services at Hershey Medical Center, Bob and Despina have begun using the Howard I. Abrams In Home Care Program, which provides up to 12 hours of in home care for a person with ALS per week. 

Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes and support this program at www.alsphiladelphia.org/abrams 

Episode 53 with Jill Kaplan and Maryellen Bowers

Episode 1 of the ALS Podcast featured Larry Kaplan talking about Hot Chocolate 2015. Now, one year later, his wife Jill Kaplan joins the podcast to talk about Hot Chocolate 2016! She is joined by Maryellen Bowers of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen as they both discuss how they prepare for the annual Hot Chocolate event, what guests can expect, recruiting sponsors, and why you should attend this year. Learn more about Hot Chocolate at Adventure Aquarium at www.alsphiladelphia.org/hot-chocolate 

Episode 51 Phil Avillo

Phil Avillo is a United States Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, an amputee, college professor, coach of many sports, loving husband and father, and is living with ALS. His many years of life experience, particularly his willingness to walk away from what was familiar at points in his personal history, have prepared him for this next step of being an ALS advocate. As Phil gets ready to raise awareness for the Hershey Walk to Defeat ALS, he joins the ALS Podcast to discuss his life, his diagnosis, and what he hopes to accomplish next. Listen, share, subscribe, and join his walk efforts at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

Episode 50 Gail Houseman Kelly Slipakoff

ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter staff nurse Gail Houseman started the Chapter's Visiting Volunteer program 15 years ago. Since then, over 100 volunteers have participated in the program to provide help and companionship to people with ALS in the Chapter's area. Kelly Slipakoff was the very first VV and she continues to be involved in the program to this day. In this podcast, Gail and Kelly talk about the program, what they've learned, and how to be good friends to those living with the disease and their families.

Get involved today as a volunteer, advocate, or donor at www.alsphiladelphia.org  

Episode 49 with Sarah Brendle

Sarah Brendle was diagnosed with ALS in 2009. Since then, she has been active in the ALS community and active as a mother raising three smart, caring children. In this podcast, she discusses how it felt to learn that she had ALS, the help from her family, the services from The ALS Association, and the many events that she has participated in over the years. Sarah also talks about the value of sharing her story with others. Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes, and get involved today at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

Episode 48 with Steve Hildebrand

In the final ALS Podcast of 2015, Steve Hildebrand talks about his wife's battle with ALS, the events the family has participated in over the years, and raising a young daughter all along the way. He explains the many challenges of being a caregiver. Listen, subscribe on iTunes, and honor caregivers with a donation at www.alsphiladelphia.org/careappreciation 

Episode 47 with Karen Stull

Karen Stull cared for her brother during his battle with ALS 15 years ago. That caregiving experience continues to impact her to this day. Listen to her perspective on ALS, being a caregiver, and how the disease affects an entire family and then get involved at www.alsphiladelphia.org 

Episode 47 with Meg Dresher

As the Holiday season gets into full swing, Meg Dresher talks about how her family has united in support of her mom during her battle with ALS. In this podcast, we discuss the challenges of getting diagnosed, services from the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, and caring for caregivers. Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes and support those who provide care at www.alsphiladelphia.org/careappreciation 

Episode 46 with Andy Miller

After being diagnosed with ALS, Andy Miller took on every opportunity to raise awareness and to find a cure. He has started his own awareness effort called One and Half Legs to let people know about his life with ALS and the latest in research across the world. In this podcast, Andy shares his story and his hopes for an end to ALS. 

Episode 45 with Alexander and Noah Snyder-Mackler

Dr. Scott Mackler lived with ALS for over 15 years. In that time, he lost his ability to walk, eat, and speak, but he remained very active in his professional and family lives, raising his sons and coordinating groundbreaking research himself. He also started the Scott Mackler Assistive Technology Program to make sure that people with ALS can get the tools they need to communicate and live fuller lives. In this podcast, his sons Noah and Alexander talk about their father, the results of the Assistive Technology Programs, and their vision for the future in the fight against ALS. Listen, share, subscribe on iTunes, and get involved at www.alsphiladelphia.org