News & Stories
The ALS Network, Denali Therapeutics, and Cytokinetics Inc. Celebrate the 3rd Splash to Cure ALS
The ALS Network partnered with biotech leaders Denali Therapeutics and Cytokinetics, Inc. for the 3rd South San Francisco (SSF) Splash to Cure ALS on Wednesday, August 14, in support of the ALS community.
This year was particularly special, as the ALS and biotech communities gathered together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the #ALSIceBucketChallenge, a grassroots movement that raised global awareness and funding for ALS.
In a beautiful courtyard outside of Denali’s headquarters in South San Francisco (often called “The Birthplace of Biotechnology”), Kim Ramsey, Director of Advocacy at Denali, and Mary Pomerantz, Senior Director of Patient Advocacy and Engagement at Cytokinetics, offered a warm welcome and emphasized the importance of collaboration in their work to support the communities they serve, including those affected by ALS.
Asher Garfinkel, VP of Community Outreach at ALS Network, praised the companies’ efforts to advance the science behind treatments that improve the lives of people living with the disease.
Mariah Kallhoff, Field Representative for Assemblymember Diane Papan, presented a certificate to the ALS Network in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
ALS Network board member Karen Sutton shared her story about her journey with ALS since her diagnosis in January 2022.
“… Despite the challenges, I am determined to stay optimistic and make the most of every moment. I remain hopeful, and I appreciate the dedication towards finding a cure for ALS–bringing light into the darkness and inspiring those in the community to stay strong. I’m here today to express my appreciation and gratitude to all of you who have dedicated your time and your work for ALS. Your continued support for every 20 years in the ALS space is meaningful to so many in this community. The hope of a cure is beyond what any of you might imagine. Thank you to all of you for your tireless efforts and inspiring all of us to make a difference. You are all my heroes. Thank you.”
Ryan Watts, CEO of Denali Therapeutics, and Robert Blum, CEO of Cytokinetics, reinforced that bringing companies together is important and necessary to change the course of ALS.
One at a time, Watts, Blum, and many executive colleagues at both companies were then plunged into cold water by their colleagues in honor of those facing ALS.
The ALS Network extends its deepest gratitude to Denali Therapeutics and Cytokinetics for their continued efforts and collaboration for the third year in a row, making a significant “splash” in research, advocacy, and care services for our ALS community.
Learn more and make a gift today at splashtocureals.org.