Navigate ALS with Neil
An Educational Blog/Vlog
Fighting ALS for over 20 years
Neil Cottrell, President of the Joe Martin ALS Foundation, draws upon his experience of being a caregiver to share tips and methods to provide the best care for people living with ALS. Information, news, and updates that are important for people with ALS will also be provided.
These Blog/Vlog (video and text with links and info) entries will be short and straight to the point to help families navigate the many challenges of living with ALS. As the disease progresses new hurdles arise, but there are tools and techniques that can help make these a little easier to overcome.
Latest Posts
Some Things Can’t Wait
If you have ALS don’t put off getting necessary equipment or contacting your physician as your needs or health change. It is important to have some things in place before you need it. We can help you and your family plan for ALS. Please call 704-332-1929 for more information or email: [email protected]
Transfer Belt Placement
Ever wonder where you should place a transfer belt? Is there more than one place to secure it around the person who needs assistance? Yes! Neil Cottrell explains this and more: You can buy transfer belts with handles and extra padding here: Transfer belt with handles. Here is a transfer/gait belt that is covered with […]
Don’t Push Your Limits – COVID 19
During the coronavirus crisis it is especially important to avoid any risk to injury that would require an ER visit. Neil Cottrell discusses some common risks for caregivers and people with ALS. Be sure to read our earlier posts regarding ALS and COVID – 19: Plan of Action for people with ALS who are at […]
Sliding Seat Tub Transfer Bench
A sliding seat tub transfer bench makes entry into and out of a bath tub easier and much safer. Watch Neil Cottrell demonstrate how this tool can help people with ALS(PALS) and their caregivers. Caregivers can help PALS move their legs into the tub while they are seated. The seat of the bench slides on […]
Do Politicians Really Listen to Us?
I know I’m not the only one who questions whether our lawmakers ever really listen to their constituents. I can see you’re nodding. Before my first visit to Washington, D.C. for ALS Advocacy Day I wondered if I was wasting time and money by trying to inform our legislators about the needed changes in laws […]
I have ALS. Now What???
Click here for: I have ALS. Now What??? – by Ken Menkhaus Description: This set of short essays is written by someone who was diagnosed with ALS in March 2018, and is written for others who have just learned they have been diagnosed with ALS. It tries to anticipate the most common issues faced by […]
ALS Advocacy Day 2019
ALS Advocacy Day/Conference provides people with ALS(PALS), their caregivers, and organizations like The Joe Martin ALS Foundation an opportunity to learn about the latest in ALS research, treatments, and to engage our Congressional representatives with legislative “asks” that are crucial for families fighting ALS. I always enjoy this event in Washington DC because I am […]
Tackling the Challenges of Flying with ALS
Join Neil Cottrell, President of the The Joe Martin ALS Foundation, on a journey through the airport from the perspective of a person living with ALS, and learn how to tackle some of the challenges of flying with ALS.
Our Mission
The Joe Martin ALS Foundation's mission is to empower families as they face the challenge of living actively with ALS by providing home care and other services at no cost.
We Believe
We believe a strong support net can help people living with ALS (PALS) and their families obtain the best caregiving techniques, equipment, and bolster their will to fight this disease.