On June 17th, 2005, I was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - "Lou Gehrig's disease"). ALS is a progressive neurological disease in which the motor neurons in the brain and spine that control voluntary muscles die. As neurons die, muscles become denervated and are left stranded without stimulation from the brain. The disconnected muscles weaken, paralyze, and atrophy. I had visible neurological symptoms including a tongue tremor since 2001, and vague symptoms starting around 1991.
Learn about ALS
- ALS Association: http://www.alsa.org/
- Muscular Dystrophy Association: http://www.mdausa.org/
- Ride For Life: http://www.rideforlife.com/