The Peggy and Bernie project was founded by Chris and Kim Ragan in honor of Peggy and Bernie Ragan and the dignity and grace they both have shown related to Peggy’s battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

While we actively support those ALS organizations that are pursuing a cure for future patients through scientific research, our focus is on the people who are affected by ALS right now. And everything we do is centered on the improvement of Quality of Life.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of those suffer from ALS, as well as in the lives of their families and their caregivers, by providing the resources, assistance and support to empower them in improving their quality of life.

What We Do

From providing financial assistance, to training family members / caregivers in how to use assistive equipment, to sharing our experiences to help with problem solving, to offering a shoulder to lean on – our support comes in many forms, including educational, instructional, emotional, financial, physical, and more.

One of our primary goals is to continually donate to the DC/MD/VA Chapter of the ALS Association Medical Equipment Loan Closet. The Loan Closet supplies wheelchairs, hospital beds, patient lifts, and much more to ALS patients at no cost. We have first-hand experience in how much these items make a difference in the day-to-day life of someone with ALS (and their family / caregivers). We will work closely with the ALS Association to ensure that we assist in keeping the most important and in demand items are well stocked.

In addition, we will be providing financial assistance in specific instances to in need families dealing with ALS on a case by case basis.

Another primary goal is to build community and create a network of accessible and open communication, so that as we help others, they will in turn lend a hand to someone else fighting the battle against ALS.

We will also hold fundraisers and participate in organized events to raise money that goes directly to the ALS Association, including the Walk to Defeat ALS.

Scope

Initially our physical geographical scope will be centered on the Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland metropolitan area. We plan to gradually spread our reach to other cities in the United States over the next five years.

While our initial assistive scope will be focused on the DC metro area, we intend for our website to serve as a resource to those who are impacted by ALS throughout the United States.