Stephen Heywood

Stephen Heywood (1969 – November 26, 2006) was an American mechanical engineer and builder known for his battle with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. His story gained widespread attention through the efforts of his family, particularly his brother Jamie Heywood, who founded the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) in an effort to find a cure for the disease. Stephen's life and the impact of ALS on the Heywood family were prominently featured in the documentary film "So Much So Fast".

Early Life and Education

Stephen Heywood was born in 1969. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in building and mechanics, which led him to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, which enabled him to work on various construction and engineering projects.

Diagnosis and Battle with ALS

In 1998, at the age of 29, Stephen Heywood was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The diagnosis came as a shock to Stephen and his family, setting them on a path to seek out treatments and potential cures for the disease.

In response to Stephen's diagnosis, his brother Jamie Heywood, along with their family, founded the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), a non-profit biotechnology organization focused on discovering and developing treatments for ALS. The institute represents one of the first efforts to apply a startup biotechnology model to disease research, emphasizing rapid development and testing of potential treatments.

Legacy

Stephen Heywood's battle with ALS and his family's efforts to combat the disease have had a lasting impact on the ALS community and beyond. The story of the Heywood family's fight against ALS has raised awareness about the disease, contributing to increased research funding and support for those affected by ALS.

The documentary "So Much So Fast", which chronicles Stephen's life and the Heywood family's journey, has been instrumental in bringing the challenges of living with ALS and the quest for a cure to a broader audience. The film highlights the emotional and physical toll of the disease, as well as the hope and determination of those fighting it.

Stephen Heywood's legacy continues through the work of the ALS Therapy Development Institute and the broader ALS research community, which remains committed to finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease.

Death

Stephen Heywood passed away on November 26, 2006, at the age of 37, after an eight-year battle with ALS. His life and fight against ALS continue to inspire and motivate individuals and organizations involved in ALS research and advocacy.