The Richard J. Wolnik Foundation for ALS Research was founded on the unwavering belief that hope, action, and innovation can lead us to a future without ALS. Inspired by Dick’s relentless determination, the foundation is committed to funding groundbreaking research, raising awareness, and supporting the fight against this devastating disease.

​​​​

How We Make a Difference

​​

A key part of our mission is supporting Massachusetts General Hospital - Boston (MGH) and The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS.  MGH and the Healey Center are on a quest to discover life-saving therapies that will lead to a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Under the direction of Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, neurologist and clinical researcher, and Chief of the Neurology Department at MGH, she and her team are at the forefront of ALS medicine. They foster a culture of global research collaboration dedicated to finding a pathway to a cure.

​

Their innovative "without borders" global initiative brings together the brightest minds in collaborative medicine. They are committed to sharing groundbreaking ALS drug research, ensuring global access to centralized scientific data and correlation analysis from their clinical research findings. Advancements in ALS neuroscience research are critical in gaining a deeper understanding of this rapidly debilitating disease at the biomolecular and neuromuscular synapse level. These discoveries allow scientists to develop experimental ALS drugs and biomarkers for human trials.

MGH/Healey Center recognizes the urgent need to fast-track the approval of promising ALS therapies, ensuring that people with ALS have access to cutting-edge, experimental clinical medicine now.

​

Carrying Dick’s Mission Forward

​

Dick was an ALS patient at MGH/Healey Center and an active participant in their experimental drug trials. From the moment of his diagnosis, he dedicated himself to researching clinical and scientific advancements, quickly realizing that ALS drug development was severely underfunded. Federal programs and major pharmaceutical companies have historically overlooked ALS, leaving patients with limited treatment options and a grim life expectancy of just 3-5 years. Despite this, Dick remained determined. Under the care of MGH and the Healey Center, he immersed himself in their research, attending webinars and staying informed on clinical trial progress. Though he knew a cure would likely not come in time for him, he was unwavering in his commitment to advocacy—raising awareness and funds to fuel ALS research.

​

In recognition of the extraordinary work of Dr. Cudkowicz and her team, Dick established The Richard J. Wolnik Foundation for ALS Research, a 501(c)(3) charity, before he passed. His vision was clear: to support the researchers who are driving progress toward a cure. Today, his mission lives on through the foundation, ensuring that funds go directly to MGH and the Healey & AMG Center to advance the most promising clinical drug research.

​

Visit the News Page for updates on the latest ALS research breakthroughs made possible through The Richard J. Wolnik Foundation for ALS Research.

​