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West Virginians living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can apply starting November 1, 2026, for up to $4,000 a year from a Buckhannon nonprofit. The money can help pay for equipment, home changes, medical supplies and qualified caregiver wages.
The S.E.T.H. Project announced the PALS Fund Grant in its October 3 release. It will make awards on a rolling basis to help with expenses that insurance does not cover.
Buckhannon-Upshur High School alumnus Seth Poling founded the nonprofit in 2021 and died of ALS in July 2023, as My Buckhannon reported in May 2024.
“The creation and implementation of the PALS Fund will fulfill one of my husband’s dreams of making an impact and improving the lives of those living with ALS in WV,” Poling’s wife, Erika Poling, said in the release.
The release describes ALS as a progressive disease affecting nerve cells that control voluntary movement.
“Individuals and families living with ALS face significant challenges that extend far beyond the disease itself,” S.E.T.H. Project President Sarah St.Clair said in the release.
The release lists these examples of expenses the fund will and will not cover:
| Examples of covered expenses | Examples of expenses not covered |
|---|---|
| Prescribed medical beds and mattresses, wheelchairs, transfer devices, lifts and bedside commodes | Co-pays for medical care |
| Devices for respiratory support and airway clearance | Companion services |
| Technology designed for use only by a person with ALS, such as an eye gaze machine | TVs, computers, cable service, iPads and other entertainment devices |
| Wheelchair upgrades needed for medical reasons, including cushions, seat elevators, adapted drive controls and attendant controls | Lawn care, snow removal, painting and other routine home upkeep |
| AFO braces or splints, neck braces, hand splints and adapted utensils | Utility bills |
| Supplies and equipment for PEG tubes, including nutritional formulas delivered through the tube | Exercise equipment |
| Portable ramps | Mileage for trips to medical appointments or the pharmacy |
| Building or installing ramps, wheelchair platform lifts or stairlifts | Buying a vehicle |
| Changes to make bathrooms accessible | Maintaining a vehicle |
| Changes to make doorways accessible | Clothing, groceries, toiletries, shoes, sheets, blankets and pillows |
| Wages for qualified caregivers |
West Virginia residents may receive one grant per calendar year, capped at $4,000. To apply:
- Request a form by emailing SupportGrant@TheSethProject.org, then complete and sign it. Include one document showing West Virginia residency: a valid state ID or driver’s license, utility bill, lease or rental agreement, property document or tax and financial record. An ALS diagnosis must be verified by a doctor’s signature on the form certifying the diagnosis date, or an email from the diagnosing doctor to the same address.
- Send the signed application to SupportGrant@TheSethProject.org or mail it to The S.E.T.H. Project, 2047 Brushy Fork Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
- If approved, applicants can expect an award letter and payment by mail within 60 days of applying, the release says. Applicants who are denied will get a letter explaining the decision.
- Provide a receipt and a photo documenting the modifications or supplies purchased with the grant. Email that proof to SupportGrant@TheSethProject.org or mail it to the same Buckhannon address. Applicants may combine the grant with other resources, so the receipt can show expenses greater than the award.
