ALS Alert mastheadALS Alert mastheadSpring 2004 - Science. Scope. Speed.

ALS Center Web Site
Research
People and Events

In This Issue:

The Biggest Step: Study Shows New Motor Neurons Cross the Cord
Doug Kerr has watched as two separate sets of cells, stem cell-derived motor neurons and muscle cells, interact in a rather lovely way to stir hope of restoring function in motor neuron disease.

Laurie Russell Helps Scientists See a Bigger Picture
At a recent reception held in her honor at Johns Hopkins’ new Broadway Research Building, guests were invited to see the fruits of her labor—a novel confocal microscope Russell, her close friends and family purchased for the Center.

Report Cards that Shine
From the Center’s Third Annual Symposium: Real Gains

Join Tony Bennett
Enjoy Bennett’s imaginative style at a performance to benefit The Johns Hopkins Robert Packard Center for ALS Research.

Available Issues:

Winter 2001/2002
Fall 2002
Spring 2003
Fall 2003
Spring 2004
Fall 2004
Winter 2005
Spring/Summer 2005
Fall 2005
Winter 2006

About ALS Alert

A Friend Indeed

The Winner Gives it All

Bob Basten is an imposing figure, even in his wheelchair. The 6-foot-5 former Minnesota Viking served as president and CEO of American Express Tax and Business Services before founding Centerprise Advisors Inc. in Chicago, one of the country’s largest and most successful accounting firms.

Bob Basten uses charm, skill and drive to battle ALS.

Bob Basten uses charm, skill and drive to battle ALS.

But success on the football field and executive board room was easy compared with conquering ALS. He was diagnosed in 2002 at age 42, after a bothersome dropfoot sent him to the doctor. For the first time in his life, Basten’s unrelenting drive would make no difference. The degenerative disease would take over his life.

And yet, Basten—true to form—refused to accept his diagnosis without a fight. “I choose to play to win, to live, to laugh, to focus on what I can control and to work hard to try to make a difference,” he states. After a trip to France and Italy with his family, consummate entrepreneur Basten poured his energy into fund raising for ALS research.

Since creating the Playing To Win For Life Foundation in 2002, along with co-founder Shelley Davis, they have directed more than $375,000 from annual Walk4Life events in Minnesota, benefit galas in Chicago, and other fund raisers around the country to the Packard Center’s fight against ALS. The foundation also served as the first sponsor of the Center’s annual scientific symposium. “By combining the best researchers along with a commitment to collaboration, the Packard Center is, quite simply, the best bet for a cure,” Basten explains. “We are proud to provide our support.”

Next > The Big Board
Politics Not As Usual

Sign up for ALS news, the print version of the newsletter and more:
   

Special Features:

Vantage Point
For two perfect spring days last month, Center scientists were inside a windowless conference room and, from what I could tell, they didn’t mind.

On Center
Three Strategies, One Goal

Insider's View
In this issue, Dr. John Griffin discusses primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a disease that, in early stages, is often difficult to distinguish from ALS.

From the Clinic
Marsha Davis, the registered dietitian for Johns Hopkins’ ALS Clinic, is expert in the nutritional needs of ALS patients, as well as in ways to manage their changes in eating style.

A Friend Indeed
The Winner Gives It All

The Big Board
Politics Not As Usual

Make a Donation


© Copyright 2004 | All Rights Reserved | Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins
600 N. Wolfe Street, Meyer 6-109, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-5953 USA
Site Index Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us Hopkins Medicine