Permobil Becomes Premiere-Level Partner of The ALS Association; Will Offer Support for People Affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Permobil, the world's leading manufacturer of power wheelchairs, has joined forces with The ALS Association as a Premiere-Level Partner to offer support and enhance the quality of life for individuals impacted by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis.  For unknown reasons, veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population.  There is no cure, and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) modestly extends survival.

"Our ongoing support of The ALS Association is unfaltering, as is their fight to find a cure for this devastating disease," said Larry Jackson, President of Permobil, Inc. "We encourage others to get involved in this great cause as well and to participate in a Walk in their local area."

"It is through the support of Permobil that The ALS Association helps to empower people living with ALS," said Jane H. Gilbert, President & CEO of The Association. "We look forward to strengthening this partnership on a chapter and national level."

Through this partnership, Permobil will support The Association on multiple levels, including its Care Services program through the donation of seat elevators. These elevators enable people with ALS to live more independent lives, reaching countertops and shelves.  Seat elevators also provide assistance with transfers for those with the disease and/or their caregivers. Permobil will also help support the National ALS/MND Nursing Symposium, which The Association participates in each year as well as The Association's Caregiver e-card Campaign during National Family Caregivers Month in November. Lastly, Permobil will sponsor The Association's biggest annual fundraiser, the Walk to Defeat ALS®.

The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds to sustain patient care and support ALS research. This year, 170 walks will be held across the country. Since 2000, the events have raised more than $137 million to support the vision of The ALS Association – to create a world without ALS. The Walk empowers people with ALS, their families, friends, and the business community to fight back against a disease that leaves many feeling powerless. Since 2006, Permobil has been a National Walk partner.

"This year we will focus our sponsorship efforts more directly to local chapters at the same time working with corporate offices for sponsorship of national events," said Barry Steelman, Marketing Manager at Permobil.

About Permobil
Permobil has been committed to enhancing the lives of the physically challenged for over 40 years. Founded in Sweden, Permobil has its North American headquarters in Lebanon, Tenn. More information regarding the company's storied history and complete product line may be obtained at www.permobil.com.

About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on every front.  By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.  For more information about The ALS Association, visit our website at www.alsa.org.

SOURCE The ALS Association