May is National ALS Awareness Month, raising awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” ALS is a progressive disease that gradually weakens the connection between the brain and muscles, leading to the loss of walking, talking, eating, and eventually, breathing abilities. Although there’s currently no cure, there’s still hope, and each ALS patient needs this hope and optimism to endure each day.
Every May, the community unites to raise awareness about the disease, share stories from individuals living with ALS, express support for caregivers, families and care workers, and highlight those who dedicate their lives to assisting people coping with the immense challenges of the disease.
The battle demands constant dedication to ensure the comfort and well-being of ALS patients – and for everyone affected by the disease – until a cure is found. The Joan Dancy & pALS (people with ALS) Foundation is part of that fight.
Founded in 2005 by Terry Magovern, personal assistant to Bruce Springsteen, to honor his late fiancée, Joan Dancy, who had ALS, the foundation’s mission is to fund and provide essential services and programs that support ALS patients and their families within our local communities. By doing so, they strive to improve the quality of life for these individuals.
The foundation offers wide range of assistance, including funding for durable medical equip- ment, communication and speech-generating devices and support for in-home care, home modifications and more.
The Joan Dancy & pALS Foundation, a nonprofit, receives some of its funding from an annual rock ’n’ roll revue at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. This multiple band extravaganza, known as Sinderella’s Ball, is organized by Louis Weiner, ALS patients, their friends and families, and supporters. Louis’ wife, Sindy, succumbed to ALS in 2017 after a seven-year battle. In 2014, a close-knit group of friends, led by family friend Jay Kanofsky, inspired by Sindy, organized Sinderella’s Ball as a gesture of appreciation to the ALS community.
The 12th Annual Sinderella’s Ball was held Dec. 6 at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. With over 350 guests, the event raised $135,000, and the Sinderella’s Ball team raised an additional $100,000, totaling $235,000, bringing them to almost 25% of their $2 million goal.
This year’s ball will be held Dec. 5 at the Stone Pony. Throughout the year ongoing contributions enable The Joan Dancy & pALS Foundation to raise awareness and secure funds for essential services. These services include home visits by the foundation’s nurse and social worker, support groups, procurement of medical equipment, and financial assistance. These programs significantly enhance the quality of life for ALS patients and their families, providing moments of relief and enjoyment amid the challenges they face. The support from loyal and new supporters of the foundation, and Sinderella’s Ball, serves as a lifeline of hope and dignity.
For more information or to make a donation, visit sinderellasball.org and joandancyandpals.org
The article originally appeared in the May 7 – 13, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
