Announcing KidCheck, a project of Community Health Charities of Alabama in partnership with Governor Bob Riley's Rural Action Commission. Read More
Focus In on Children’s Eye Health and Safety in August In an effort to help put an end to unnecessary vision loss in children, Prevent Blindness America, has developed a comprehensive platform on children’s eye health. A detailed strategy has been developed to promote children’s vision and eye health. It also creates a framework for bringing key stakeholder organizations and individuals together to make children’s vision health a national priority.
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In addition to teaching college students biology, Arcadia University assistant professor Wes Rose, 37, educates people about the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He has lived with what is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis, since May 2005. The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter has proclaimed Wes Rose and his family one of the families that best exemplifies the spirit of “ALS Across America” for the chapter during ALS Awareness Month in May.
The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter Lauds Local Professor for His Advocacy Efforts in Fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease by Stephanie Dufner.
In addition to teaching college students biology, Arcadia University assistant professor Wes Rose, 37, educates people about the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He has lived with what is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis, since May 2005. The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter has proclaimed Wes Rose and his family one of the families that best exemplifies the spirit of “ALS Across America” for the chapter during ALS Awareness Month in May. The “ALS Across America” national campaign recognizes courageous individuals with ALS and their caregivers who are role models to people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. These special individuals reflect the spirit of the organization as they make a positive difference in their community by expanding awareness of ALS and embodying the spirit of living life to the fullest. Rose, a resident of Glenside, works closely with the chapter to educate people about ALS. Joined by his wife Kelly, a physician who practices family medicine, Rose participates in the annual Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALSTM event as captain of his walk team “Absolutely Living Strong” which has raised more than $110,000 during the past four years.
The Roses also attend various chapter-related activities. “Wes is dynamic, articulate and determined. He has offered his assistance to the chapter, and we have put him to work,” said Ellyn Phillips, the chapter’s president. “He is a natural leader, who refuses to be defined by ALS.” Though the disease has weakened his hands and legs, Rose continues to teach at Arcadia and walks with the assistance of leg braces and a cane. Last year, Rose joined the chapter’s board of directors and has spoken at many of the organization’s events, including its annual luncheon and the kickoff for its major gifts campaign. He has also addressed the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team’s players and their wives to discuss the impact ALS has on patients and their families, the services the chapter provides to families, and the importance of the support the chapter receives as the principal charity of the Phillies. While Rose seems at ease in publicly discussing his life with ALS, he often tells the story of how he struggled with his diagnosis as well as the idea that he may not be able to teach his and Kelly’s sons, Aidan and Nathan, ages 7 and 4, certain life lessons. Kelly told him that if he was strong in the face of ALS, it would teach the boys strength. He took her message to heart and has become a tireless advocate in raising awareness and funds in the fight against ALS.
Throughout May, The Association and its nationwide network of 42 chapters will reach out to communities across the country to educate the public about Lou Gehrig’s Disease and urge people to join The Association in the fight to make ALS a disease of the past. Rose has become very involved in both state and national advocacy efforts since receiving his diagnosis. At the chapter’s first Pennsylvania Advocacy Day in 2006, he met with his state representative, Joshua Shapiro, to ask for support for The Association. Rep. Shapiro was so moved by meeting Rose that he has spearheaded the chapter’s efforts to receive state funding and has hosted the group in Harrisburg. The Association’s National Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference, which has grown to be the single largest gathering of the ALS community, and is part of ALS Awareness Month, will be held this year on May 10-12 in Washington, D.C. Rose traveled to D.C. in 2007 and 2008 and also plans to attend this year’s conference. He also participated in this year’s Pennsylvania Advocacy Day in February. “Wes has been an inspiration to so many people who are facing ALS,” said Phillips, “and he has encouraged so many people, from state representatives to Phillies players and their wives, to become strong supporters of The ALS Association.”
In an effort to help put an end to unnecessary vision loss in children, Prevent Blindness America, has developed a comprehensive platform on children’s eye health. A detailed strategy has been developed to promote children’s vision and eye health. It also creates a framework for bringing key stakeholder organizations and individuals together to make children’s vision health a national priority. 
In addition to teaching college students biology, Arcadia University assistant professor Wes Rose, 37, educates people about the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He has lived with what is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis, since May 2005. The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter has proclaimed Wes Rose and his family one of the families that best exemplifies the spirit of “ALS Across America” for the chapter during ALS Awareness Month in May. 
The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter Lauds Local Professor for His Advocacy Efforts in Fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease by Stephanie Dufner.
