We It is hard to believe we are approaching the end of 2001. The future holds many unknowns, but we approach 2002 with hope and faith. For the ALS community, we seek to increase awareness of ALS with strength, enthusiasm and optimism for greater insights into the cause and cure for ALS — always with the understanding of improving the lives of those living with the illness. Columbia’s ALS Center maintains its vision to first provide optimal care to individuals and their families living with ALS. This is accomplished through a multidisciplinary, educational model of care. Second, the best possible diagnosis of ALS or related diseases, and third, we focus on basic and clinical research related to the cause and pathogenesis of ALS, including therapeutic trials. Efforts to fulfill this mission include but are not limited to the following events and activities: The National Institutes of Health Study, set to begin in January 2002, aims to identify ALS disease markers which will ultimately promote earlier access to clinical/therapeutic treatment for ALS patients. Ultimately, the identification of disease markers for ALS will promote opportunities for earlier treatment of the disease. The recent MDA/ALS fundraiser at Tavern on the Green raised over $650,000 toward research and clinical care of ALS. We thank all of you who supported MDA and the ALS Center at this event. Dr. Mitsumoto’s column in this edition of the Newsletter addresses the Center’s current clinical research activities and the plan for ALS basic science research development in the future. On behalf of the staff at the Center — Happy Holiday Season !