ALS in the Heartland

ALS in the Heartland Dedicated resource for people with ALS, their families & caregivers in Nebraska, Iowa & South Dakota

New ALS in the Heartland merch!We have new 20 oz. ALS in the Heartland koozies that fit bottles of water or soda and hel...
09/04/2026

New ALS in the Heartland merch!

We have new 20 oz. ALS in the Heartland koozies that fit bottles of water or soda and help keep your drinks colder longer! They’re great for sporting events, tailgates, road trips, our upcoming walks, or just to have around.

Koozies are $10 each or 2 for $15, and all proceeds go directly to ALS in the Heartland.

You can pay with cash or Venmo using the QR code on the flyer. We have a limited number available, so get yours while we have them!

Special thank you to Brian at Brand’s for helping make these possible!

A small muscle twitch might not seem like much, but “fasciculations” is a word many people may hear when learning about ...
09/04/2026

A small muscle twitch might not seem like much, but “fasciculations” is a word many people may hear when learning about ALS.

Fasciculations are involuntary muscle twitches that can sometimes be seen or felt beneath the skin. They are common in ALS, but it is important to remember that muscle twitching can happen for many other reasons too and does not automatically mean someone has ALS.

For someone living with ALS, these small movements can be one of many physical changes they experience as the disease affects the nerves that communicate with their muscles.

Part of understanding ALS is understanding the changes that may come with it, even the ones that may not always be noticeable to others. 💙

One of the unique things about ALS care is just how many different needs can come with the disease. Instead of asking fa...
09/03/2026

One of the unique things about ALS care is just how many different needs can come with the disease. Instead of asking families to navigate all of those needs separately, an ALS clinic brings different specialists together as one care team.

Depending on someone's needs, a clinic visit may include neurology, physical and occupational therapy, speech and swallowing support, respiratory care, nutrition, social work, and more.

ALS in the Heartland partners with Dr. Gary Pattee at Neurology & Associates in Lincoln, and our team is able to connect with individuals and families through clinic as part of the support we provide.

There are also other ALS clinics available in our region, and finding the right care team can be an important part of navigating life with ALS 💙

Some other ALS clinic options that we most commonly hear include the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences in Omaha and the Iowa City ALS Clinic in Iowa City and Urbandale. Please feel free to reach out to our team if you are wanting help navigating available resources and care.

: Sneakers or Sandals?
09/03/2026

: Sneakers or Sandals?

For many individuals and families, getting answers about unexplained muscle weakness or other symptoms can involve sever...
09/02/2026

For many individuals and families, getting answers about unexplained muscle weakness or other symptoms can involve several appointments, examinations, and tests.

An EMG, or Electromyography, is one of the tests doctors may use during that process. It measures electrical activity in the muscles and can help doctors better understand how the nerves and muscles are functioning.

An EMG alone doesn't tell the entire story. There is no single test that diagnoses every case of ALS, which is why doctors look at the bigger picture and use information from different examinations and tests when making a diagnosis.

For someone going through that process, three little letters like “EMG” can suddenly become part of a whole new vocabulary. That's exactly why we're breaking down these terms. 💙

Walking across a room. Picking up a cup. Speaking to someone you love. Taking a breath.We don't usually think about ever...
09/01/2026

Walking across a room. Picking up a cup. Speaking to someone you love. Taking a breath.

We don't usually think about everything happening inside our bodies to make those movements possible.

Motor neurons are nerve cells that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to our muscles, allowing us to control voluntary movement.

With ALS, these motor neurons progressively deteriorate. As the muscles receive fewer signals, they become weaker and eventually lose function. That's why ALS can gradually affect someone's ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe.

Understanding motor neurons gives us a better picture of what is actually happening inside the body as ALS progresses and why the disease can affect so many parts of everyday life. 💙

A person living with ALS will meet many different healthcare professionals throughout their journey, and a neurologist i...
08/31/2026

A person living with ALS will meet many different healthcare professionals throughout their journey, and a neurologist is often one of the most important members of that care team.

A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They can help evaluate symptoms, diagnose ALS, monitor changes as the disease progresses, and work alongside other specialists to coordinate care.

ALS can bring a lot of changes and a lot of questions. Having a team of professionals who understand the disease and can help families navigate those changes is an important part of ALS care. 💙

Join us on Sunday, October 4 at Crystal Cove Park for our 2026 South Sioux City Area Walk an afternoon of coming togethe...
08/28/2026

Join us on Sunday, October 4 at Crystal Cove Park for our 2026 South Sioux City Area Walk an afternoon of coming together and showing support for individuals and families affected by ALS.

Activities and on-site registration begin at 1 PM, with our ceremonial walk starting at 2 PM. Walking is completely optional, and we’ll have refreshments, snacks, and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon. The walk route is also handicapped-accessible and pet-friendly, so everyone is welcome to join us!

Come spend the afternoon with us, bring your family and friends, and help us continue supporting families affected by ALS in our community. 💙

Register, donate, or learn more here: https://givebutter.com/south-sioux-city-area-walk-sz63gd

ALS doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that includes how it begins.For some people, the first noticeable changes ha...
08/28/2026

ALS doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that includes how it begins.

For some people, the first noticeable changes happen in their arms or legs. For others, ALS may first affect the muscles used for speaking, swallowing, and chewing. This is known as bulbar onset.

Someone may first notice changes in their voice or speech, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or changes in managing saliva.

Learning terms like this helps us better understand just how differently ALS can affect each person and some of the changes individuals and families may be navigating along the way. 💙

One month to go! 💙Our annual Northeast Nebraska Area Walk is coming up on Sunday, September 27 at Skyview Lake in Norfol...
08/27/2026

One month to go! 💙

Our annual Northeast Nebraska Area Walk is coming up on Sunday, September 27 at Skyview Lake in Norfolk, and we’re looking forward to another great afternoon together!

On-site registration and family-friendly activities will begin at 1:00 PM, with the ceremonial walk starting at 2:00 PM. Walking is completely optional, pets are welcome, and the route is handicapped-accessible, so there are plenty of ways to come out and be part of the day.

We hope you’ll join us as we come together to support individuals and families impacted by ALS throughout Northeast Nebraska. Every person who shows up helps make the day that much more meaningful. 💙

Register, start a team, or make a donation here: https://givebutter.com/c/northeast-nebraska-area-walk

Address

1915 N 121st Street
Omaha, NE
68154

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+14025922374

Website

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