Once a year, members of our amazing ALS community from across the country come together for the White Coat Affair – a special evening filled with celebration, heartfelt connections, and shared emotions. The annual gala, which will take place on Saturday, October 28th, honors the resilience of this community while also celebrating the progress of ALS research at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI). 

It is a night of cocktails, music, and dancing – bringing together old friends and forging new connections. However, amidst the celebration, it’s important to acknowledge the touching moments that make this event more meaningful. These moments often come during the evening’s speaking program, where we have the privilege of hearing inspiring stories from people living with ALS and their caregivers and family members, as well as ALS TDI researchers.

The sense of community, connection, and inspiration shared by those who gather in that ballroom is difficult to put into words. To capture the essence of what makes the gala so special, ALS TDI asked community members who attended last year’s event to share their thoughts on the significance of the White Coat Affair, and what keeps them coming back:


Michael Harrington, living with ALS:

“Attending last year's White Coat Affair was an incredible experience. As someone living with ALS, we don't often get the opportunity to meet others in the community, let alone spend an evening chatting, laughing, and crying with them. The White Coat Affair provided this and more.”


Juan Reyes, a U.S. military veteran living with ALS:

“White Coat Syndrome ~ The anxiety of being around medical staff in white coats.

The White Coat Affair ~ An evening dedicated to celebrating the spirit of science and hope combined.

Attending the White Coat Affair last year was magical. It was inspiring to be in the presence of so many individuals dedicated to ending ALS. Not to mention doing it looking so damned good!”


Mandi Bailey, a family member and caregiver of someone we've lost to ALS:

“Last year, the White Coat Affair’s theme was “Welcome Home,” since it was the first one since the pandemic. That’s exactly what it felt like. Home. It was the first time I’ve had the opportunity to be with my friends and family in the ALS community, and it was better than I could have ever imagined. Getting to be in the same space as people who have been through the same things and share the same scars is healing in a way that I can’t explain. I’ll never forget that night or that feeling. It was incredible. I can’t wait to come back home and do it all again this year.”


Ellen Corindia, living with ALS:

"I look forward to the White Coat Affair every year, because it is a dose of hope. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. I can also just relax among people who “get” my struggles without saying a word which is a gift."


To learn more and register to attend the White Coat Affair, click here.