FOUNDERS AND ADVISORS
ALS Worldwide has evolved organically, conversationally, as part of the process of trying to combat this terrible disease. Good friends asked what would happen to the world of information and experience we’d gleaned from the many families we’d visited and patients we’d assisted. Would we write a book for posterity or would all the ideas eventually be lost? Shortly before Ben's death, we asked him what he thought about the creation of a not for profit organization that would integrate the knowledge we’d assimilated. His enthusiastic response coupled with our belief that what we had learned had enormous value to others, propelled us to begin the task of assimilating the volumes of material that had accumulated through our efforts to support Ben and so many others..
Michael Schafer, an experienced physician who has been instrumental in helping us and many other patients in so many ways, agreed to join our efforts. Tom Basting, president emeritus of the Wisconsin Bar Association, provides legal expertise and oversight to this organization. Together, we’ve created ALSWORLDWIDE.ORG for the benefit of the ALS community.
In more recent years, we've added the expertise and knowledge of those in gene and stem cell therapy. Talented businessmen and neurologists provide oversight and insight to our efforts. Our expansion continues as we continue our efforts in support of the ALS patient community worldwide.
Stephen Byer, Founder & Co-Executive Director
Barbara Byer, MA, MEd, Founder & Co-Executive Director
Thomas Basting Sr., Founder & Legal Director
Michael E. Schafer, MD, Founder & Medical Director
Nicholas D. Mazarakis, PhD, Scientific Advisor
David Sitt, Business Advisor
Jorge E. Moreno-Cuevas, MD, PhD, Scientific Advisor
