Augie's Quest Initiative Brings In 12 Million Dollars In Two Years For ALS Research

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Article Date: 09 Jan 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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In their first two years as co-chairs of MDA's ALS Division, Augie and Lynne Nieto helped their MDA's Augie's Quest research initiative raise more than $12 million.

MDA's Augie's Quest research initiative is dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease). The sum is two-thirds of the initiative's goal of raising $18 million in 36 months.

The Nietos of Corona del Mar, Calif., have been appointed to a third term as honorary co-chairpersons of MDA's ALS Division.

Fitness industry pioneer Augie Nieto, 49, is the co-founder and former president of Life Fitness and current chairman of Octane Fitness of Andover, Minn. Since his diagnosis, ALS has weakened his body and speech.

In addition to fundraising, the Nietos have tirelessly raised awareness of this devastating neuromuscular disease. As part of that effort, Augie Nieto wrote a book, "Augie's Quest: One Man's Journey from Success to Significance," that was released Nov. 13 by Bloomsbury USA.

In it, he recounts the story of his journey from a fitness entrepreneur at the top of his game to a depressed and suicidal individual after his diagnosis with ALS in 2005, followed by his renaissance as a business-savvy strategist in the fight to conquer the disease.

"Augie and Lynne's passion and commitment are amazing," MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. "We're thrilled to welcome them back as co-chairs of the ALS Division."

As chairpersons, the Nietos will continue to raise research funds and ALS awareness through public speaking engagements, media interviews, fundraising efforts and public service announcements.

"It's an honor to continue representing all those whose lives are affected by ALS," said Nieto, who also serves as an MDA national vice president. "Lynne and I are proud to work with MDA in the search for a cure, so that the day will come when other individuals and families won't have to learn what it's like to live with this terrible disease."

ALS progressively destroys the nerve cells (motor neurons) controlling muscles, ultimately paralyzing most or all voluntary movement. The average life expectancy is three to five years after diagnosis.

MDA has led the fight against ALS for more than 50 years, supporting leading researchers worldwide, and funding medical care at 225 hospital-affiliated MDA clinics and 37 MDA/ALS research and clinical centers across the country. The Association has spent $210 million on its ALS program.

For more information about MDA's ALS Division, visit http://www.als-mda.org. For information about MDA's Augie's Quest, visit http://www.augiesquest.org.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and professional and public health education. The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

http://www.mda.org