by Gary Wosk, Staff Writer

In honor of the courageous people fighting ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and their caregivers, The ALS Association has launched the “ALS Across America” campaign for National ALS Awareness Month in May.

The “ALS Across America” campaign shines the spotlight on men and women from all walks of life who despite having ALS, or the fact that they are taking care of someone with this disease, think of and help others in similar circumstances before themselves.

“These special individuals reflect the spirit of the organization as they make a positive difference in their communities by expanding awareness of ALS and embodying the spirit of living life to the fullest,” said Gary A. Leo, president and CEO of The Association. “They are truly role models, a beacon of hope to all of society because they have not allowed a terrible disease to triumph.”

There is not one segment of society that has escaped the impact of ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and the “ALS Across America” profiles reflect this diversity. The progressive, degenerative neuromuscular disease affects 30,000 Americans annually in this country. The average survival rate is two to five years from the time of diagnosis.

(more…)