A message from Brea: Hi, my name is Brea. My mom was recently diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Many of you have probably heard of Lou Gehrig's disease, but don't know anything about it because it is not very common.
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle activity. Basically, the motor neurons in the muscles die, eventually leading to paralysis and then death. Any muscle activities that you have the ability to voluntarily stop are the same muscles that the disease affects. This is why it doesn't affect the heart, but in turn affects the ability to breath. Many of us don't ever think about it, but we actually have control over the muscles we use for breathing. This is the reason you are able to hold your breath and commonly the cause of death in most people with ALS. A majority of the time it does not affect the mind; however it is one of the most devastating diseases to watch someone go through.
A little over 5600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year and most only live 2-5 years with the disease; some less. Unfortunately, very few live longer. Each person's experience is different and symptoms may develop fast or slow. Only 5-10% of those diagnosed are believed to be hereditary; however, much of the cause is still unknown because of the lack in funding for research. There is NO CURE for ALS and not much in the way of treatment other than an experimental drug that is believed to only prolong life by a few months.
On a brighter note, my mom is doing pretty well right now. She has almost lost the use of her left hand; and has lost all of the muscle in her toes resulting in lots of trips and falls. Please keep my mom and me in your thoughts; and pass on the word about ALS. I would like people to be aware of this disease, so that hopefully one day there may be a cure. If you would like to make donations to help with the research of ALS or to simply educate yourself, please go to www.alsa.org.
Thanks so much,
Brea
