2023 IMPACT STATEMENT
The Mission
The Sinderella's Ball Team began its journey in 2014, three and a half years after our hero, Sindy Weiner, was diagnosed with ALS. Since then, we have held annual events to raise money for the Joan Dancy and pALS Foundation ("Foundation". Our first three events were held at the Wonder Bar, in Asbury Park, NJ. In 2017, we moved to the Stone Pony to accommodate more supporters. To date, we have raised over $900,000 for the Foundation.
All money raised through Sinderella's Ball goes directly to the Foundation which prides itself on the fact that 96¢ of every $1.00 received is used for patient services. The stories we hear from families as to the benefits these resources provide motivate us to keep going.
The Foundation's mission is to provide services and programs that support ALS patients and their families in local communities to help them have the best quality of life possible given their circumstances. The Foundation aids patients with loans of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), communication and speech generating devices, and assists with in-home care, home modifications and social services. The Foundation is a registered 501 (c)(3) charity and has an approved NJ Charity Registration.
ALS FACTS: A HARD - HITTING DISEASE
What is ALS?
ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease, affects nerve cells in both the spinal cord and brain. This causes motor neurons to degenerate and eventually die, leading to muscle paralysis.
What causes ALS?
There is currently no known cause for the disease.
Is ALS a rare disease?
It is more common than you might expect. About 6,000 people in the US are diagnosed with ALS each year and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. In fact, ALS is as common as multiple sclerosis.
Can ALS be cured?
Currently, there is no known cure. However, because of advances in research and medical care, many ALS patients are living longer, more productive lives.
The Founder: Terry Magovern (1940-2007)
In 2005, Terry McGovern founded the Joan Dancy & pALS Foundation in memory of his fiancé Joan Dancy, who lost her battle with ALS. One of Terry's frustrations was that there was no organization that could help those patients with ALS obtain direct assistance with wheelchair access to their homes, lowering cabinets, accessible vehicles and ramps while making life easier for those suffering with this disease. When Terry Unexpectedly passed away on July 30, 2007, his son, Sean took over the reigns as the Executive Director of the Foundation, to continue his father's legacy of loyalty and love, and to provide a better quality of life for ALS patients and their families.
In his eulogy of Terry Magovern, Bruce Springsteen said "Some people when they die take whole worlds with them. That's Terry Magovern. Terry was the last great symbol of the raging honky tonk Jersey Shore scene of the 60's and 70's. He was a larger-than-life presence with a heart of pure gold."
WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP
The impact of this support is a lifeline of hope to those fighting a heroic battle against this awful disease. Simply stated, ALS warriors need our support, concern, and compassion to shine a light during this all-consuming time. We are working diligently this year to raise as much as possible for the Joan Dancy and pALS Foundation. Sinderella's Ball is an opportunity to help provide the required resources to bring smiles to those who need them now more than ever.
IMPACT OF SUPPORT: YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
15 - 20
The number of DME (Durable Medical Equipment) pieces of essential equipment the Foundation delivers each month to pALS, including hospital beds, commodes, walkers, shower chairs, ramps and any other devices that assist pALS during difficult and challenging times. If the Foundation doesn't have the equipment in their "closet," they will purchase and deliver.
500+
The number of pALS and their families the Foundation has helped since inception.
$25,000 - $30,000
The amount of money the Foundation issues in grants to pALS families each month. This money is used for Home Health Aides and medications not covered by insurance. For example, $1000 can only provide about 25 hours of care, which equates to three 8 hour shifts. So you can see why your support is so important.
$300
The amount of money the Foundation provides up to (per month) for rental costs for handicapped accessible vans needed for access to and from doctor appointments.
100%
The percent approval of all funding requests made to the Foundation
All money raised through SINDERELLA'S BALL goes directly to Joan Dancy and pALS.
All donations help provide services and support for ALS patients and their families. We are proud to say that 96& OF EVERY $1.00 received is used for patient services!
When we hear stories from people who have truly benefited from the resources provided by JOAN DANCY AND pALS it motivates us to continue the fight.
WE INVITE YOU TO HELP US HELP THEM
To support The Joan Dancy & pALS Foundation in the name of Sinderella's Ball.