Mission Statement: The A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for cutting edge research and patient services for those suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

The A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2001 in loving memory of Clifford Jordan, Jr. and Edward Sciaba, Sr. to honor all the courageous individuals and families touched by A.L.S.

Co-founders Mary Ann (Sciaba) Singersen and Donna Jordan witnessed first-hand the harsh reality of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis when they lost family members to the dreadful disease. After years of working at the volunteer-level, these two spirited women embarked on their own journey making it their life's work to eradicate Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Despite years of research, the cause of A.L.S. has yet to be determined, making the search for a cure all that more difficult. The Foundation focuses much of its energies on fundraising in an effort to provide crucial financial support to the medical and scientific organizations that specialize in A.L.S. research. It is imperative that the Foundation also provides services to patients and their families while the search for the elusive cure continues.

The needs of A.L.S. patients and their families run the gamut from financial and emotional support to extensive medical and therapeutic treatment and ultimately advocacy. The A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation works almost exclusively to raise money to help fund agencies that assist patients to ensure that their needs are met.

Meet Our Founders

Two total strangers shared the same vision, now best of friends, they have combined their efforts and turned that vision into a driving force in the fight against A.L.S.

Our Inspirations

The A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. was founded by Donna Jordan and Mary Ann (Sciaba) Singersen in dedication to the loving memory of Clifford Jordan, Jr. & Edward J. Sciaba, Sr. The impact of these two great men had such a profound effect on their families that they have left behind not only a legacy of love but of a boundless hope!

A.L.S. took their lives years before, but today the spirit of their courage continues to be the foundation of something wonderful. That spirit is at the heart of the A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation, where families join together to help one another, where families join together to support each other, where families join together to overcome!

Clifford Jordan, Jr. was born and raised in Brockton and resided in Dedham. He was an accomplished carpenter and welder. Cliff was a devoted father to his daughter Amanda, a loving husband to his wife, Jean, and a cherished son and brother. Before he was stricken with ALS at the young age of 34, he loved to vacation at his home in Vermont, ride his mountain bike, his motorcycle, and spend time with his family. Cliff had a unique and creative personality. He was very loved and is sadly missed.

Edward J. Sciaba, Sr. grew up in the South End of Boston. After high school, he worked as a rigger at Bethlehem Steel Co. in Quincy before joining the Navy in 1944. After being honorably discharged in 1945, he formed a construction company, Sciaba & Co., Inc. Over a 45-year period, he built many buildings throughout the Commonwealth including schools and other public facilities. Ed was highly respected in the industry.

Ed was a successful businessman, but more importantly, he was the loving patriarch of his family. He was tremendously strong and yet quietly adoring. He and his wife, Adele, raised four children and had eight grandchildren. Before Ed was diagnosed with ALS, he would spend hours supporting his grandchildren by attending their activities. A.L.S. took many things from him but never his inner-strength, never his resolve. Through it all, he remained a shining example for all that knew him.

The A.L.S. Family Tree

In 1999, the A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation planted the A.L.S. Family tree as a symbol of hope for the families and patients affected by A.L.S. Bricks etched with the names of ALS patients make a circular walkway around the tree.