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ALS IF III is a Venture Capital entity based in the Netherlands, that is cultivating a portfolio of companies developing potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

MOFF has historically philanthropically invested in the “valley of death” stage of drug development, or the early, high risk time frame, which includes animal studies, basic disease understanding projects, and early preclinical studies. At the time (2013-2024), the ALS research community needed to gain a deeper understanding of the disease, and MOFF supported this effort.

Now, according to a Guggenheim Parters report from May 2025, there are an estimated 65 potentially therapies in drug development pipelines. This represents a shift in ALS drug development from basic disease understanding, to clinical therapy development. Therefore, MOFF resources are best spent supporting clinical phase projects on their way to patients in need now.

MOFF has been aware of the ALS Investment Fund since 2017 and had the opportunity to meet with their team, Melanie Leitner (CSO) and Craig Boyce (Managing Partner) in Boston in Nov 2025. Their scientific, industry, and financial knowlege is unquestionable and their alliance with the ALS community is unfaltering.

Four companies within the ALS Investment IF III portfolio are listed below. Click on their logos to learn more.

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November 6th

Graham Barham will be performing live during his “Nashville Nights” concert at California Coast Beer Company in Paso Robles!

All proceeds will be donated to MOFF. Click HERE for tickets.

November 8th

Season of Giving at Ambiance SLO- Raffle and Swag bag items needed. All proceeds directly support MOFF and the ALS Community in the fight against ALS.

Contact Neil Clayton by clicking HERE to donate items.

October 12

Lauren Clausman will be running the Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2025 in support of MOFF and the greater ALS community. Help Lauren reach her fundraising goals. Click HERE to donate to her marathon team!

Meet Lauren

This charismatic South Florida native is unstoppable! After launching her own run club in May of this year, Lauren runs to empower others every Friday with her crew in Boca Raton.

“There have been many individuals in my life who have inspired me to be the best I can. One of those is my cousin, Martha, who passed away from ALS. I am running to raise awareness of ALS and fundraising for her organization, The Martha Olson-Fernnadez Foundation (MOFF) and other ALS nonprofits nationwide. I run for myself and for those who can’t anymore.”

-Lauren Clausman

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Where: Hunter Ranch Golf Course

When: 9:30 AM Shotgun Start

Click the “Register Today” link below for the following:

• Tournament details
• Registration options
• Silent auction donations opportunities
• General donation capabilities

Contact the Tournament Coordinator, Neil Clayton, at nclayton@moffoundation.com if you have any questions or would like to volunteer!

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February 22, 2025

This event is in memory of Martha Olson-Fernandez, an avid hiker and the namesake of MOFF. Martha passed away from ALS related complications in 2012. Today, her memory reminds us to prioritize health and get up and move in whatever way makes you feel good.

This event has evolved into a hybrid, virtual and in-person, event in our post pandemic world. The “Hike” and “Brunch” sections below outline participation details for the event format you prefer.

Hike

• Hike at a location near you or to Martha’s memorial bench. The bench is located on the Felsman Loop portion of the Bishop’s Peak Trail in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-person participants gather at 10:00 AM and bring roses to Martha’s bench or the top of Bishop’s Peak in honor of those who can no longer hike. Roses will be provided at the trailhead entrance on Patricia Drive.

Brunch

• Head to your favorite brunch spot after you hike! If you are in SLO, the Quesadilla Gorilla restaurant will be donating a portion of proceeds to MOFF. Use code “MOFF” between 12 PM and 3 PM PST on 2/22/25 to contribute to the local ALS community.

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Once diagnosed, many individuals opt to remove themselves from the public eye when they lose the ability to talk, eat, smile, walk.. all activities driven by voluntary muscles. Others immediately start a bucket list. Can you imagine what you would do if you were given 3-5 years to live, or less? 

These people living with ALS (PALS) and their support systems (caregivers, family and friends), often accomplish incredible feats. Feats inspired by avoidance of death and a full awareness of their current capabilities.

Over the past 12 years, MOFF has seen individuals accomplish marathons, ironmans, pour their life savings into ALS research, and even fund the construction of entire hospitals to support ALS patient care.

The ALS INSPIRE SERIES serves as a platform to showcase these remarkable individuals and their accomplishments.

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How Your Support Makes a Difference

Every dollar donated this Giving Tuesday will help MOFF continue our work in three key areas:

1. Funding Research: Understanding the pathogensis of ALS is crucial to developing therapeutic options for this disease. Each year MOFF provides grants between $20,000- $100,000 to ALS researchers for their efforts to better understand disease mechanisms, run clinical trials, optimize therapeutic targets, identify new animal models and more. 
2. Providing Support Services: MOFF distributes an annual grant to the ALS Network that is specifically earmarked for individuals living with ALS (PALs) on the Central Coast of CA. These funds are used by care managers to provide vital services such as physical therapy, transportation services, medication and other disease-related needs. MOFF connects with PALs during local support groups to better understand the unmet needs including the emotional and mental challenges of living with ALS.
3. Spreading Awareness: Awareness is key to driving progress. The more people understand ALS, the more support we can garner for research, care, and advocacy. 

How You Can Get Involved

On Giving Tuesday, your donation, no matter how large or small, will directly impact those living with ALS. Here’s how:

• Donate: A financial gift can help fund vital research or provide care to those who need it most. Click here to donate. 
• Fundraise: Start your own fundraising campaign on our platform. It’s easy and a great way to engage your community about ALS. Click here to fundraise today!
• Share: Help spread the word about ALS and Giving Tuesday on social media. Please share our social media posts, emails and website amongst friends, family, and colleagues to get involved.

Your generosity this Giving Tuesday will bring us closer to a world where no one has to face ALS alone—and where one day, ALS is no longer a life sentence, but a disease of the past. Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you’ll join us in making this Giving Tuesday a powerful day of change and hope for the ALS community.

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The satellite clinic was originally opened in June 2024 and will next be open in September 2024. All those living with ALS seeking access to this clinic should reach out to ALS Network staff directly at 1-866-750-2572 or careservices@alsnetwork.org.

The clinic is hosted at the Cottage Health Location in SB.

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Come join the MOFF team for the 1st Annual Rally for a Cure Event!

Pickleball and Bocce Ball Options are available.

Event Details:

When: September 14, 2024

Where: Templeton Tennis Ranch 

Event Start Time: 9:00 AM PST

Interested in volunteering for this upcoming event? Please email Neil Clayton at nclayton@moffoundation.com or call him at (805) 440-5650.

Registration Options are pictured below. SElect your preference via the event site linked above.

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Watch the video below to learn what inspired Lauren to run the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon. You never know, maybe she will inspire YOU to throw on some running shoes 🙂

Get to know Lauren better via the Q&A with her below:

Q&A

Where are you from and what is your spirit animal?

I was born and raised in South Florida and currently live in Boca Raton. My spirit animal is definitely a dog!!! I love them all so much. If I had to narrow it down I would most likely say a golden retriever.

Have you run a marathon before? Do you have a certain pace or completion time you are aiming for?

This will be my 1st Marathon! I’ve completed a few half marathons in the last 5 years so I am hoping my body is ready. I would like to complete the NYC Marathon in a little under 4 and a half hours.

You are running with Team Challenge ALS, what motivated you to support the ALS cause? How did you get connected with the Team?

I am running in honor of Martha Fernandez and family is why I chose to do this. I don’t think ALS gets enough research and awareness and I am hoping to make a difference in that even if it is small. My cousin Natalie Fernandez was able to connect me with the ALS NYC Chapter and I was welcomed onto their team with open arms!!! The experience has been amazing thus far and I am looking forward to meeting my running team.

Do you have any running idols or key people who support you that you would like to recognize?

I can track my love for running all the way back to my pre-middle school days and seeing my mom run every single day. I quickly found my love for it and we were able to run together every day after school. It always reminds me of her and I think that’s why I still love it so much!! I can’t wait for her to see me cross the finish line just like my track and field days.

Do you have any favorite running song recommendations for the MOFF community?

ANYTHING disco or EDM is my go-to. Right now, Boom by Tiesto is how I start and finish every run. Learn about key information about the NYC marathon by visiting this website.

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Where: Felsman Loop on Bishop’s Peak in SLO or your favorite hike spot wherever you may be located!

This event is hosted annually in memory of Martha and all those active individuals whose time was cut short by ALS. We hike in honor and in memory of those who can no longer hike.

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Silent Auction Donations

Golfer and Sponsor Registration

Interested in volunteering at the event? Email Neil at nclayton@moffoundation.com or call (805) 440-5650.

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