Ride for Life

Ride for Life is a prominent non-profit organization and patient advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness and funding for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Founded in 1997 by Chris Pendergast, the organization is best known for its annual power wheelchair trek across Long Island and Manhattan, which serves as a major fundraising vehicle for neurodegenerative disease research. The funds generated are primarily directed toward clinical trials and patient care initiatives, with a significant portion supporting the Stony Brook ALS Center. While the organization does not develop therapeutics in-house, it plays a crucial role in the ALS ecosystem by providing early-stage funding for research and bridging the gap between patients and the scientific community.