THE MARTHA OLSON-FERNANDEZ FOUND FUND
Established with The ALS Network*
In November 2014, The Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation established The Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation Fund at The ALS Network.
The money within The Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation Fund is earmarked to assist people living with ALS on the Central Coast of California. This territory includes people living in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. ALS Network Care Managers ensure that The Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation Fund assists people with ALS and their families who need it most. Read the impact statements below to learn more.
The ALS Network’s mission is to discover treatments and cures for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest. The Network’s vision is to create a world without ALS.
*The ALS Network was previously known as The Golden West Chapter of the ALS Association.
Below is a chart of the historical grant distributions to the ALS Network.
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2014 | $10,000 |
| 2015 | $20,000 |
| 2016 | $28,000 |
| 2017 | $25,000 |
| 2018 | $25,000 |
| 2019 | $25,000 |
| 2020 | $30,000 (increased due to COVID-19 demand on patient care services) |
| 2021 | $20,000 |
| 2022 | $20,000 ALS Network; $10,000 ALSA Greater NY |
| 2023 | $20,000 |
| 2024 | $30,000 |
Patient Stories
Narratives have been de-identified to protect the privacy of those who have received our financial support.
MOFF financial support was used to purchase equipment for a client who was already having significant mobility issues when he was diagnosed with ALS, due to being misdiagnosed previously.
Funds were used to purchase a front wheeled walker, a urinal, a bath chair, and a bed rail which enabled him to walk short distances within the apartment, take showers, get in and out of bed, and remain independent with toileting.
MOFF funds were also used to purchase a commode and transfer pole which were set up in his hotel room so that he could be independent and safe with toileting in spite of weakness affecting his arms and legs.
MOFF financial support paid for crucial equipment for a client diagnosed with rapidly progressive respiratory onset ALS who lacked the resources to make purchases himself.
MOFF funding was used to help a client from the Bay Area obtain equipment so that she could relocate to San Luis Obispo.
Impact Statements
“Thanks to the Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation, the people I work with on the Central Coast who are living with ALS have immediate access to adaptive devices that are not covered by insurance.
~ Julie Scurich (Care Manager at The ALS Network)“Funding from the Martha Olson-Fernandez Foundation has made it possible for the ALS Network to purchase items that are vital for clients, caregivers, and loved ones related to safety, mobility, nutrition, hygiene, comfort, communication and peace of mind.
~ Cherryl Goldstein (VP of Development at The ALS Network)