Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
According to the ALS Association, approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. It is further estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, can strike anyone. It is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy.

The only nerve cells affected are the lower motor neurons, which control movement of the limbs, swallowing, and some aspects of breathing. However, the senses and cognitive functions remain normal. Pain does not accompany the disease at any stage. For the vast majority of people, their faculties remain intact while their body progressively degenerates.