List of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. This condition leads to the degeneration and death of motor neurons, which are essential for controlling voluntary muscle movement. As the disease progresses, patients experience increasing muscle weakness, leading to difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. The cause of ALS is not fully understood, and there is currently no cure. The disease gained widespread attention through the Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral social media campaign that raised awareness and funds for ALS research. This article lists notable individuals who have been diagnosed with ALS, highlighting their contributions and the impact of the disease on their lives.

List of Notable Individuals with ALS

• Stephen Hawking - One of the most renowned theoretical physicists of the 20th century, Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 21. Despite the progression of the disease, he continued his groundbreaking work on black holes and the origins of the universe. Hawking's ability to communicate through a computerized voice system allowed him to remain an active scientist and public speaker until his death in 2018.

• Lou Gehrig - A legendary baseball player for the New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig's name became synonymous with the disease following his diagnosis in 1939. Gehrig's farewell speech, in which he described himself as "the luckiest man on the face of the earth," remains one of the most poignant moments in sports history. He passed away in 1941.

• Mao Zedong - The founding father of the People's Republic of China, reports suggest that Mao Zedong suffered from ALS in the later years of his life, which contributed to his death in 1976. However, the exact nature of his illness has been a subject of speculation and debate.

• Jason Becker - A virtuoso guitarist, Jason Becker was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 20, shortly after releasing his first solo album and joining David Lee Roth's band. Despite losing his ability to play guitar, speak, and move, Becker continues to compose music using a computer and eye-tracking software.

• Dwight Clark - A former NFL player known for "The Catch," one of the most famous plays in NFL history, Dwight Clark announced in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with ALS. He passed away in 2018.

• Steve Gleason - A former professional football player for the New Orleans Saints, Steve Gleason is known for his blocked punt during a game that became a symbol of recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Diagnosed with ALS in 2011, Gleason has since become an advocate for patients with the disease, founding Team Gleason to help provide technology and services to those affected by ALS.

Impact and Legacy

The individuals listed above, along with many others affected by ALS, have contributed to raising awareness about the disease. Their stories of courage, determination, and resilience in the face of a devastating diagnosis have inspired research and fundraising efforts worldwide. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, for example, raised significant funds for research and brought global attention to the disease.

See Also

• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Motor neuron diseases
• Ice Bucket Challenge

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on List of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for any updates.

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