Push for Progress campaign seeks to boost ALS treatment, research
3-year effort aimed at securing $1 billion in federal funding
Nonprofit I AM ALS has teamed up with actor Eric Dane to launch Push for Progress, a three-year campaign focused on accelerating research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), expanding access to treatments, and securing $1 billion in federal funding.
Dane, best known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” announced his ALS diagnosis in April. He is now adding his voice to the thousands of advocates calling for increased awareness of ALS and investment in research.
“For over a century, ALS has been incurable, and we’re done accepting the status quo,” Dane said in a press release from I AM ALS. “We need the fastest path to a cure. That’s why I’ve partnered with I AM ALS and their Push for Progress.”
Campaign to advocate for renewal of ACT for ALS bill
The campaign’s primary objective is advocating for the renewal of the bipartisan Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS (ACT for ALS) bill, which President Joe Biden first signed into law in 2021. The legislation, which expanded research initiatives and improved patient access to care, is set to expire in 2026.
According to I AM ALS, without action to support the bill’s renewal, access to lifesaving therapies could be lost and research momentum could slow.
Over the next three years, the Push for Progress campaign aims to accelerate research by securing the largest allocation of ALS funding in history, while protecting essential research infrastructure. In addition, it will seek to expand access to promising therapies for people living with ALS and to build momentum toward a disease cure.
“ALS is not untreatable, it’s underfunded,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS. “Cases are rising, but we’re finally on the cusp of breakthroughs.”
On its campaign page, the organization added, “We’re ending ALS, but to get there, we need to fuel community momentum, pass key laws, protect and increase research funding, and ensure more people have access to treatments.”
Push for Progress was launched with the support of Head Cook for ALS, a fundraising initiative to support ALS research and care, and Steven and Euna Filchock. I AM ALS is also seeking donations from the public to help support its campaign.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Eric Dane’s partnership and commitment to Push for Progress. Together, we’re raising awareness about the urgency of this disease and giving people living with ALS — and those who love them — hope for a cure,” Goodman said.
Since its founding in 2019, I AM ALS has secured over $1.2 billion in funding for ALS research, offered essential community support to thousands of families, and facilitated the passage of significant legislation, including ACT for ALS.
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