What Is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS is a chronic, progressive disease marked by gradual degeneration of the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement.
This disorder causes muscle weakness and atrophy; symptoms commonly appear in middle to late adulthood, with death in two to five years. The cause is unknown, and there is no known cure.
Also called Lou Gehrig's Disease, or Motor Neuron Disease.
ALS Statistics
-
Every 90 mins someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with ALS.
-
2-5 years is the length of time most people live after being diagnosed with ALS.
-
90% is the approximate number of cases of ALS that are sporadic, occurring in families without a history of the disease. ALS shows no prejudice and affects people of all ages.
-
30,000 is the estimated number of people in the U.S. who have ALS at any given time.
-
Military Veterans are more likely to get ALS. ALS impacts veterans regardless of the branch of service served in or whether they served during peacetime or war.
Famous people who have been diagnosed with ALS:
Baseball great Lou Gehrig
Theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author Stephen Hawking
Bassist/Vocalist John Driskell Hopkins (Zac Brown Band)
Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter
U.S. Senator Jacob Javits
Actor David Niven
“SpongeBob Square Pants” creator Stephen Hillenburg
“Sesame Street” creator Jon Stone
Jazz musician Charles Mingus
Singer/Songwriter Kim Shattuck (The Muffs)
Bassist Mike Porcaro (Toto)
Musician Huddie Ledbetter (Lead Belly)
Theatre producer Jenifer Estess
Boxing champion Ezzard Charles
NBA Hall of Fame basketball player George Yardley
Golf caddie Bruce Edwards
Actor Sam Shepard
Broadway Actress Rebecca Luker
Musician Jason Becker