University of Maryland

The Blazeman Foundation for ALS and the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank have joined efforts to speed research on ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

The study of post-mortem tissue from individuals with ALS is critical to finding the cause of ALS. If you have decided to become a potential tissue donor, you are encouraged to register with the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank. Preregistration allows for speedy recovery of tissue. Time is critical for the recovery of tissue and should be completed within 24 hours after death.

More information and how to register is available on the University of Maryland website. We have created a brochure explaining the program that can be shared with pALS and their families. Please see our letter that was distributed to ALS Clinic Directors to be shared with pALS and their families.

Dr Ron Zielke - NICHD Brain and Tissue Bank
Pictured Left: Dr. Tom Blanchard, Director of the Brain and Tissue Bank. Pictured Above: Dr. Ron Zielke – Former Director.

Tom Blanchard

Transformative Commitment – April 2024
Rare Disease Day – February 2019
Rare Disease Day Photo
Letter of Thanks – June 2018
ALS Tissue Expansion – April 2018
ALS Tissue Distribution – February 2018
Freezer Dedication – August 2017
Pathology of callosal damage in ALS study – July 2017 Summary and Complete Article
Letter of Thanks – May 2017
Grant Extension and Freezer Purchase – April 2017
Update on Tissue Acquisition Project – May 2016
Importance of Tissue Donation – May 2016
Awarding of Grant to Expand Acquisition Project – Dec 2014
Acquisition Renewal Proposal – Nov 2014 and Budget Justification
Update – October
Letter of Thanks from BMF – Jan 2014
Continued Funding of Tissue Acquisition Project – Nov 2013
Baltimore Magazine Article – Nov 2012
Acknowledgement and Thanks from the BMF – Feb 2012
Grant Application – Dec 2011
Project Proposal – Nov 2011