In an extraordinary global effort to tackle amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Jaime Lafita of the DalecandELA Foundation, alongside the ALS Network, iXCells Biotechnologies, and renowned Chinese ALS advocate Mr. Cai Lei, announce the Death Valley Ride to Cure ALS. Set to begin on April 9th, this 400-mile cycling challenge across Death Valley aims to spotlight ALS and mobilize critical funds for research.
The Death Valley Ride embodies a collective stand against ALS, showcasing the power of unity and the shared commitment to turn the tide against this devastating disease. Spearheaded by Jaime Lafita, a resilient ALS warrior, and supported by ALS Network along with iXCells Biotechnologies, this initiative underscores the urgency and necessity of global cooperation in the ALS fight.
Central to this collaboration is Mr. Cai Lei, a figure whose pioneering efforts significantly advances ALS research into new realms of possibility and hope. After his ALS diagnosis in 2019, Mr. Cai Lei established AskHelpU, a non-profit that hosts the world’s largest ALS research data platform, linking over 15,000 patients. This groundbreaking initiative facilitates critical genetic research and deepens the scientific understanding of ALS.
Mr. Cai spearheaded the creation of China’s first pathological research sample bank, significantly advancing ALS research on a global scale. His collaboration with the BGI Group and the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Supercomputing Center has yielded significant discoveries in the genetic causes of ALS, thanks to the analysis of extensive ALS gene libraries.
His dedication to accelerating the development of treatments has impacted over 100 drug and treatment pipelines, demonstrating the profound influence of patient-driven initiatives in propelling ALS research and offering hope to those affected.
iXCells Biotechnologies, a leader in cell technology and disease modeling, has been instrumental in advancing ALS research. Through the development of disease-relevant cellular models and comprehensive R&D services, iXCells is pivotal in accelerating drug discovery efforts for ALS and other rare diseases. The participation of Nianwei Lin, PhD, co-founder and president of iXCells Biotechnologies, along with a dedicated team of Chinese cyclists, in the Death Valley Ride is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to eradicating ALS.
Mr. Cai spearheaded the creation of China’s first pathological research sample bank, significantly advancing ALS research on a global scale. His collaboration with the BGI Group and the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Supercomputing Center has yielded significant discoveries in the genetic causes of ALS, thanks to the analysis of extensive ALS gene libraries.
His dedication to accelerating the development of treatments has impacted over 100 drug and treatment pipelines, demonstrating the profound influence of patient-driven initiatives in propelling ALS research and offering hope to those affected.
The Death Valley Ride to Cure ALS is more than a physical challenge—it’s a metaphor for the arduous journey towards finding an ALS cure. This initiative calls on people worldwide to support ALS research, awareness, and advocacy. By sharing this story, contributing funds, or simply offering encouragement to the riders, everyone can contribute to this significant cause.
As the Death Valley Ride unfolds, it serves as a potent reminder of the strength inherent in unity. This cross-continental collaboration underscores a worldwide dedication to ending ALS, bringing hope to those affected by the disease and edging closer to a world without ALS.
For more information, to donate, or to follow the journey, please visit https://secure.alsnetwork.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1410
About DalecandELA Foundation
Founded in 2019, DalecandELA is a non-profit entity, recognized as a Public Interest Association in Spain, which works to raise awareness of the disease, source funds for research and affected people, and improve the lives of those affected. Over its four-year history, the Foundation has raised over $450,000 to improve the lives of those affected and has been recognized by the Spanish Society of Neurology and the European Conference on Rare Diseases. In 2021, Lafita completed a 600-mile bike trek from Getxo, Spain, to Brussels, Belgium, where he was welcomed by the President of the European Parliament on World ALS Day on June 21, which was the focus of the documentary Tandem. Learn more about the foundation here https://dalecandela.org/
About the ALS Network
The mission of the ALS Network is to partner with the ALS community as we drive the discovery of prevention strategies, treatments, and cures for ALS; provide access to quality care and connection; and promote initiatives to improve health outcomes. We connect need with support, questions with answers, thought leaders with new ideas, research to funding, and advocates to challenge the status quo.
The ALS Network, formerly the ALS Association Golden West Chapter, directly serves people with ALS and their families throughout California and Hawaii. Anyone in the ALS community from anywhere can attend our connection groups or contact us for support. Philanthropy is what makes everything we do possible – including our services and resources in Spanish – and donations underwrite those programs.
Gifts to the ALS Network are tax-deductible. On the IRS website, we are listed via our Employer Identification Number (EIN): 95-416333. The ALS Network has earned the highest rating possible from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, since 2013. This distinction is reserved for a highly-effective charitable organization that meets or exceeds industry standards in fiscal management, accountability, and transparency.
For more information about ALS and the ALS Network please visit our website at alsnetwork.org or email us at [email protected]. You can also find us across social media channels at @yourALSnetwork.
About iXCells Biotechnologies
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Diego, CA, iXCells Biotechnologies is a pioneering cell technology company dedicated to providing innovative solutions that advance preclinical drug discovery. Specializing in disease-relevant cellular models, we deliver high-quality, off-the-shelf products and comprehensive CRO services spanning in vitro pharmacology, target identification and validation, genome engineering, disease modeling, and other R&D services. Our extensive collection of primary cells and iPSC-derived products empower our clients to accelerate their drug discovery efforts across diverse disease areas.
