I choose ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) as one of my donation picks for 2025 because it stands out in the global landscape of ALS research due to its singular, patient-focused mission and biotech-driven approach. Unlike many academic institutions that juggle multiple neurological conditions or fundamental biology, ALS TDI is solely dedicated to finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This laser focus allows for rapid iteration, innovation, and deployment of therapies specific to ALS. As a non-profit biotechnology organization, ALS TDI merges the scientific rigor of a commercial lab with the accessibility and transparency of a patient advocacy group, creating a uniquely collaborative model where patients are active partners in the research process. 

One of ALS TDI’s most distinctive assets is its in-house preclinical drug development program, including the world’s largest precision medicine program for ALS. Through programs like ALS Research Collaborative and ALS Trial Navigator, the institute generates and leverages massive patient-derived data to accelerate discovery and personalize research. Moreover, their open-access approach—where findings are shared in real-time with the ALS community—sets a new standard for transparency and urgency in rare disease research. This commitment to both scientific excellence and community engagement makes ALS TDI a truly unique force in the fight against ALS.