USA Health unveiled new multidisciplinary ALS treatment center

By Michelle Ryan
mryan@health.southalabama.edu

More than 100 people gathered last week to celebrate the opening of the USA Health Kelly Butler ALS Center, a multidisciplinary clinic that is the first of its kind along the upper Gulf Coast.

Butler, Gov. Kay Ivey’s longtime state finance director, retired more than three years ago as a result of ALS, but took up the cause of advocating for greater access to care as he fought his own battle with the progressive disease. Many of his family members attended the ceremony.

University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner also worked closely with Butler during his time as Ivey’s chief of staff. Both were visibly moved as they remembered their friend and colleague for his servant leadership and his devotion to expanding access to ALS care in Alabama.

“This is a deeply emotional moment. During my time as governor, I have attended many ribbon-cutting ceremonies, but today is much, much different,” Ivey said. “We gather not only to dedicate this life-saving center, but also to honor someone very special who stood for saving lives.”

After his diagnosis, Butler devoted his efforts to raising awareness of ALS and removing barriers to care. He believed patients along the Gulf Coast should not have to take on the added burden of traveling a long distance to receive treatment.

John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, recalled the meeting with Butler and the ALS society that would serve as a catalyst in the creation of the clinic.

“During that emotional meeting, Mr. Butler described his healthcare journey and the difficulty in having to travel, and he asked us what we can do for the citizens of south Alabama afflicted with this disease,” Marymont said. “We are the major university in this region that is fortunate to have an academic health system along with a medical, allied health and nursing school. We believe by harnessing all the resources available to us in combination with support from our state officials we collectively can do what is asked of us to serve all people, even those with rarer types of diseases.”

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Its gradual decline is marked by muscle weakness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and more.  

While there is no cure for ALS, symptoms can be managed through medications; physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, and nutritional therapies; assistive devices, such as braces and wheelchairs; and exercise, all of which are now offered through the center thanks to Butler’s advocacy.

Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, the CEO and senior associate vice president for medical affairs at USA Health, recognized the center’s opening as an important milestone for USA Health and for Butler’s family.

“This center will help expand access to ALS care along the Gulf Coast, making a positive impact on patients and their families, but it will also honor a great man in Kelly Butler,” he said. “The lives he touched are too many to count, and through this center, his legacy will live on and impact many more lives for decades to come.”

During an especially touching moment during the ceremony, Butler’s wife, Beverly, shared remarks that he had recorded on a device prior to his passing.

“The happiness that I have in my name being on this clinic is dwarfed by the joy that comes from knowing that people living with ALS in Mobile and surrounding areas will have access to the services provided here,” he said on the recording. “The ALS clinic gives the patient and their caregivers the support, treatments and most importantly the hope they need. Having hope is a precious gift for patients and caregivers. I encourage the doctors and healthcare providers who work here to keep providing that hope for ALS patients and caregivers.”

Robert Kobelja, M.D., a board-certified neurologist, assistant professor of neurology and the medical director of the Kelly Butler ALS Center, said he and his team are dedicated to carrying out his vision.

“While I was truly sorry to hear that Mr. Butler lost his battle with ALS recently, my team and I will work to carry forward his goals and legacy with this clinic,” he said.

The renovated clinic, located inside the Strada Patient Care Center, features five exam rooms and a multidisciplinary team consisting of a nurse, neurologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, respiratory therapist, social worker, and dietitian. During one visit, ALS patients can be treated by each member, eliminating the need for them to make multiple appointments. 

View photos from the event.