MDA Activities Focus Attention On National ALS Awareness Month

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Article Date: 02 May 2008 - 5:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Throughout the month of May, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will highlight the 17th annual national ALS Awareness Month by hosting events in communities across the country and disseminating information about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

ALS is a deadly disease that attacks the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles, causing progressive weakness and eventually paralysis. Often striking healthy adults in the prime of life, ALS affects more than 30,000 American adults, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Survival is typically three to five years after diagnosis.

During May, MDA chapters nationwide will hold seminars, expos and a variety of other events aimed at raising public awareness of ALS and the MDA ALS Division's comprehensive programs of research, services and information.

Nationally, MDA will launch and promote an online series called "ALS: Anyone's Life Story." Now in its second year, the series profiles one person with ALS every day of the month. Mini-features and photos on MDA's Web site (http://www.mda.org) and its ALS Division Web site (http://www.als-mda.org) illustrate both the severe challenges of living with ALS, and the strong spirits of affected individuals and families.

Also during May, MDA will release its completely revised ALS Caregiver's Guide. This publication will be a vital support to those caring for someone with ALS, both by providing in-depth information about dealing with the physical and emotional effects of the disease, and by sharing quotes and insights from other caregivers.

Augie and Lynne Nieto of Corona del Mar, Calif., serve as co-chairs of MDA's ALS Division. Augie Nieto, 50, an entrepreneur and fitness industry pioneer, learned he had ALS in 2005.

Through its Augie's Quest fast-track research initiative (http://www.augiesquest.org), MDA is partnering with leaders of industry and the academic world to employ cutting-edge technology and a thorough, systematic approach in uncovering causes and treatments for ALS.

While the search for a cure continues, MDA brings help and hope to those affected by ALS. Services include specialized medical care at 38 MDA/ALS centers and 225 MDA clinics throughout the country. The Association also provides medical equipment loans, support groups, online chats and financial assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, leg braces and communication devices.

The MDA ALS Division Web site provides the latest information at http://www.als-mda.org. The site also is a gateway to MDA's ALS-specific publications, including the monthly MDA/ALS Newsmagazine and books about living with the disease.

MDA is a voluntary health organization working to defeat more than 40 diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

The ALS Division of MDA is the world leader in the search for a treatment or cure with its aggressive research program, and offers the most comprehensive range of services of any voluntary health agency in the nation.

Muscular Dystrophy Association