Helping advance research that leads to the prevention, functional improvement, and curative efforts for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
The David J. Tomassoni ALS Research Grant Program, named after the late Minnesota Senator, provides funding for translational research that leads to the prevention, functional improvement, and curative efforts for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Tomassoni, who was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, was a professional hockey player turned lawmaker. He served in the Minnesota legislature, representing District 5B in the Iron Range, from 1993 until his passing in 2022. He was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2021 and passionately advocated for research into the rare disease.
In his final term as a Senator, he successfully authored and passed the legislation that provided $25 million in one-time funding to support ALS research and caregiver resources. Funding for this program was established under 2022 Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 42, Section 2.
This program will end on June 30, 2026.
