Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, respiratory failure. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, attacks certain cells in the brain and spinal cord needed to keep our muscles moving. Currently, there is only a single medicine for specifically treating ALS called Riluzole. The drug only extends survival by about 2 to 3 months. This urgent unmet medical need for effective treatments to combat this devastating disease is the basis for the research and drug development effort at the nonprofit biotech organization, ALS Therapy Development Institute.
The Alaska Club, along with Augie’s Quest, is committed to raising funds to find a cure and we encourage you to be part of this important cause.
Here are some ways you can join in the fight to win the war against ALS:
Together, we can make a big difference for a cure to Alaskans fighting this disease!