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Our StoryThe Calcagnini ALS Foundation was created after the passing of James Arthur Calcagnini in 2021. A devoted husband, father, son, and brother, James dedicated countless hours to helping others as both an involved member of St. John’s Church in Darien and as a Board Member of Pacific House for over a decade, where he worked towards ending homelessness in Lower Fairfield County.
Working with scientists and clinicians throughout his illness, James helped researchers make significant progress in finding a cure for ALS. One of these researchers was Dr. Anahid Jewett, who in partnership with James discovered life-prolonging treatments for ALS. Thanks to their groundbreaking work together, her team is already in the final stages of approval for commercial use of the first patented diagnostic for ALS, as well as newly discovered treatment strategies for this cruel disease. In James' memory, we are now working to raise 7.6 million dollars to fully fund the UCLA Calcagnini Program to accelerate Dr. Jewett’s work. This essential funding will go directly towards increasing her laboratory capacity, hiring trained personnel to expedite this crucial work, and prolonging and improving the lives of those living with ALS. |