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.

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Distinguished actress Angela Lansbury, famous for her work on Broadway, films and television, including the extraordinary long running hit series, “Murder She Wrote,” stars in a series of radio and television public service announcements for The ALS Association to launch the new “Cure ALS” campaign.

(L) Dr. Lucie Bruijn, science director and vice president of The ALS Association and actress Angela Lansbury are interviewed by “Today” show host Al Roker about kicking off the Cure ALS PSA campaign.

The PSAs use powerful emotional and dramatic imagery to emphasize the importance of global research for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. In addition to the PSAs, Lansbury appears in the three-minute feature “The Cure ALS Campaign: Behind the Scenes with Angela Lansbury.”

Lansbury decided to become involved with The Association to honor her sister, Isolde Denham, who passed away from ALS in 1987 and was married to actor Peter Ustinov. The actress is committed to stop the “bullet” that is aimed at other people who are living with the progressive, neurodegenerative muscular disease. She was particularly impressed by the organization’s aggressive, global and cutting-edge research program and the sense of urgency expressed by The Association’s top leaders in finding a cure for ALS. (more…)

Scott Pfeiffer (r), with NASCAR driver Derek Thorn

NASCAR Team Partners with The ALS Association to Raise Awareness, Funding in Fight Against Lou Gehrig’s Disease

By Dan Gordon

For Scott Pfeiffer, 2007 started out like a dream.

42-year-old Fort Atkinson, Wisc., resident, was at the center of the sport he loved, serving as the agent for NASCAR driver Derek Thorn. Pfeiffer, a lifelong NASCAR fan who himself ran midget and sprint cars when he was younger, saw his 21-year-old client burst onto the scene in his first season, finishing fifth overall and as runner-up for the Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year award in the 2007 ASA Late Model Series Challenge Division.

But in May, the dream took an unexpected turn. Pfeiffer was told by his doctor that the muscle weakness and speech impairment he was experiencing were early signs of a progressive neurodegenerative disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Pfeiffer’s initial reaction to the news was one of bewilderment.

“When the doctor said, ‘You have ALS,’ I looked at him and shrugged my shoulders as if to say, ‘What’s that?’” recalls Pfeiffer, who is married with two children, ages 5 and 2. “He said, ‘Motor-neuron disease,’ and I had the same reaction. Then he said, ‘Lou Gehrig’s Disease.’ I knew that wasn’t a good thing, but I still didn’t know anything about it.” (more…)

AIG and the Albuquerque Isotopes have partnered to support the ALS Association of New Mexico by donating $25.00 for every double play the Isotopes make during the 2007 season. Thank you AIG and Albuquerque Isotopes for your support!! Total amount donated for the 2007 season: $2,500.00!