The Live Like Lou Foundation is celebrating a landmark milestone in the fight against ALS. The State of Tennessee funded an additional $1 million investment in its 2026 budget to support the ongoing development of Center for ALS Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), proudly established by the Live Like Lou Foundation through a more than $6 million fundraising campaign.

This private-public-institutional partnership fuels bold science and accelerates discoveries for ALS, a 100% fatal neurodegenerative disease.

“This investment from the State of Tennessee sends a powerful message to ALS families: you are seen, and you are supported,” Wendy Faust, Executive Director of the Live Like Lou Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for the State of Tennessee’s ongoing commitment to bold, life-saving science.”

Building a National Leader in ALS Research

The funding expands the impact of Vanderbilt’s dedicated ALS research lab, led by Dr. Véronique Belzil, by strengthening critical infrastructure, recruiting expert faculty, and advancing diagnostic capabilities by creating a Center for ALS Research at VUMC. This positions Tennessee as a leader in neurological science and workforce development.

“This is about hope for the 150+ families in Tennessee currently battling ALS, and the thousands more to come,” said W.L. Gray, Live Like Lou Board Member and Chair of the Nashville Campaign for ALS Research. “Tennessee has stepped up in a big way over the last four years with investments in innovative research totaling $3.5 million.”

Momentum Toward Promising Research

Since 2021, the Live Like Lou Foundation has partnered with VUMC to launch this campaign, combining national fundraising, scientific leadership, and family support to change the outlook for ALS. With the state’s contribution, this positions VUMC and Live Like Lou to compete for additional transformative research funding in the years ahead.

Together with Tennessee's state leaders, Vanderbilt researchers, and the generosity of supporters, we are building a future where ALS families can have real hope for treatments and, one day, a cure.