Helping people navigate ALS

Providing support and hope

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. As it progresses, it causes people to lose their ability to walk, talk, eat and eventually breathe. Scientific advancements in recent years have led to the creation of drugs that have shown promise in slowing the progression of ALS. After several years of stagnant research, these new findings are providing hope for a better future to the ALS community.

Established in 1982, The ALS Association Western PA Chapter serves around 350 people with ALS in the region each year. The Chapter provides medical equipment loans, home visits with social workers and other medical professionals, transportation services, home modifications, support groups and other resources to people living with ALS and their families. The nonprofit also helps fund research and directly advocates for those living with ALS.

These services and initiatives are funded by the generous supporters of The ALS Association, including Rich Boyer, President of Exchange Underwriters. Because of a personal connection to the disease, a few years ago Boyer chose to give the money raised at the annual Exchange Underwriters employee holiday party to The Chapter. Through this donation, an incredible partnership was born.

“Rich and his network make an incredible impact on our ALS community,” said Amie Olson, Director of Development at The ALS Association Western PA Chapter. “Their efforts improve the lives of those currently living with ALS and their families as well as bringing us closer to a cure.”

“Rich and his network make an incredible impact on our ALS community.” – Amie Olson, Director of Development, The ALS Association Western PA Chapter

Soaking up donations for ALS       

Boyer lost his father to ALS, which drives his passion to support the cause. Since 2017, he has inspired his agency of 27 employees to join the fight against ALS by donating their time and effort to raise funds. In 2021, they brought in more than $10,000 for those living with ALS, their highest fundraising total yet. Boyer himself takes his personal investment seriously and is currently on the Chapter’s Board of Directors and serves on the CEO Soak committee, which supports the nonprofit’s most successful fundraiser.

During the CEO Soak, corporate executives stand in the middle of the PPG Place Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh and get soaked by the fountain for ALS. Last year, the event brought in a remarkable $250,000 for The Chapter. The CEO Soak, founded in Pittsburgh in 2017, has been so successful that the event is now a National Signature Event of the Association with nearly 20 Soaks being hosted throughout the country this year.

Thanks to an unwavering community and dedicated supporters, the CEO Soak continued to grow throughout the pandemic. Boyer played a part in this growth by recruiting his network to join him in the fountain.

A personal connection to the cause

“Having lost my father to ALS, I understand what other families go through,” said Boyer. “The ALS Association provides so much help to those suffering from this disease, and we want to do our part in providing the support that people deserve.”

“The ALS Association provides so much help to those suffering from this disease, and we want to do our part in providing the support that people deserve.” Rich Boyer, President, Exchange Underwriters, Inc.

Improving lives in the ALS community   

A $10,000 donation from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance would help to fund care, specialized equipment and home modifications for those living with ALS across western and central Pennsylvania. Help Exchange Underwriters win another $5,000 for The ALS Association Western PA Chapter by cheering them on with a vote!

If your agency volunteers with a 501(c)3 nonprofit, learn how you can win a Make More Happen Award here.