Racing for ALS Grant Program
HOW IT STARTED
To state it clearly, my brother and his family never received any funds from Racing for ALS at all. However, he was the inspiration for this program as we watched the financial impacts that my brother’s family was facing tied to the impacts of ALS. The Racing for ALS Grant program started in the fall of 2020 as the Drive for 25, which was our idea to help PALS with the expenses that ALS brings by giving out 25 $1,000 grants to 25 PALS for them to use however they wanted/need.
HOW IT EVOLVED
We successfully raised and distributed those grants within a few months, and then decided to continue/expand the program as additional PALS came to us seeking assistance. We are grateful to have given out over $320,000 worth of grants through October of 2024 via this program and look forward to continuing this program into the future as funding allows.
HOW IT WORKS
We are fortunate to be able to provide up to $2,000 to an individual with an approved application once per year. You may reapply each year. You may also qualify for a “Giraffe Bottle” through the grant as well. What is a “Giraffe bottle”? A giraffe bottle (www.giraffebottle.com) is a hands-free drinking bottle with a long straw or "neck" that is designed to help people with physical disabilities stay hydrated. The bottle comes with a holder that can be attached to a desk, bed, wheelchair, or table, and the neck and drinking tube are replaceable.
To apply for this program, please click on Amy’s email link at the bottom of page to receive an application for the Grant.
Racing for ALS Van Program*
HOW IT STARTED
Late in 2021, Racing for ALS met the Gilbert family as they began their battle against Respiratory Onset ALS. Jim Gilbert—Known as “Jungle” by the NASCAR family—Drove millions of miles transporting race cars to tracks nationwide…Jim was also a fellow racer and kindred spirit.
Jim and wife, Jaana, were struggling with the cost and logistics of renting wheelchair accessible transportation for Jim’s bimonthly, cross state ALS Clinic visits and other travel needs. Their story inspired Racing For ALS to help as only “car guys” would!
“We knew that one van would not change the world, but it would definitely change this family’s world, so we just needed to make it happen!” - Scott Lloyd, President of Racing for ALS
With Jungle as inspiration, Racing for ALS stepped out in faith, acquired a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Sport wheelchair accessible van and delivered it to the family to use as long as needed.
HOW IT EVOLVED
Once our first Jungle Jim Cruiser hit the streets, another out of state ALS family facing similar challenges prompted procurement of a second Braun equipped van for them to use.
As if to validate these leaps of faith, the Lord then prompted donation of a third accessible van in honor of another soul lost to ALS. In 2024, thanks to the generosity of MongoDB Employees we were able to pay off 2 of the 3 vans and begin saving funds for a 4th.
A NEW APPROACH
After its tenure serving one family, one of our Jungle Jim Cruisers recently began a year-long engagement with the Joe Martin ALS Foundation in Greensboro, NC. There, it provides daily, no cost transport for ALS patients to medical appointments, errands and social gatherings. In 2024 the van is currently supporting 8 ALS families in the Greensboro, NC area.
HOW WE ARE FUNDED
Racing for ALS utilizes a percentage of every dollar donated to our Triple Target Funding initiative to issue Patient Support Grants and to pay for our loaner vans, operating insurance and other associated costs.
With your generosity and the Lord’s providence, Racing For ALS plans to continue and expand the Jungle Jim Cruisers program for years to come.
*Please note that we do have a waitlist for the van program. While we are actively fundraising for a 4th van, we are unable to guarantee van use at this time.
“Jungle” Jim Gilbert Started it All!
There are many difficulties that face the individuals and families in the ALS world. One of the main challenges is often the pure and honest feeling of helplessness. The unknowns of the disease take a toll on everyday life. Questions of who and where can I turn to for help often fill their thoughts.
Recently, the Racing for ALS team answered that question for one family affected by ALS in February. Jim Gilbert was diagnosed with respiratory onset ALS in August of 2021. Through a network of the ALS community, the team learned of the immediate need of Jim and his wife, Jaana, for a wheelchair accessible van.
Jungle Jim Cruiser #2
Van Assistance and Patient Care Fund Information
Racing for ALS not only provides adaptive vans to ALS families in need, we also award Patient Assistance Grants to help offset ALS related medical, care and home modification costs.
Launched in September of 2020, Racing For ALS’ Patient Assistance Fund has distributed over $100,000 in grants and equipment to qualified ALS patients.
If you or someone you know would like to apply for a Patient Assistance grant or use of a Jungle Jim Cruiser, email Amy Brown Here.