Motor Neuron Disease, ALS, 'It's Time For A Cure'

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a motor neuron disease that rapidly progresses and attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Eventually, patients lose their strength and ability to move their arms, legs and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, patients cannot breathe without ventilator support. Most people with ALS die within two to three years, about 90 percent of them die within five years.

No significant progress has been made toward curing this horrendous disease since its discovery some 100 years ago.

The ALS annual Ride For Life was founded in 1998 by an ALS survivor, Chris Pendergast, along with other ALS patients, families, friends, volunteers, students and supporters, caregivers, elected officials and others.

The event is called the Ride For Life because patients ride in their wheelchairs down highways and over byways to raise funds for a cure and create awareness of this fatal disease. Patients are literally riding for their lives and the lives of some other 30,000 Americans who have been stricken with ALS. About one patient dies every 90 minutes.

The funds raised work this way: 50 percent is spent on cutting-edge research, 40 percent is spent on direct patient services and 10 percent is spent on education and awareness.

It's time for a cure- go to www.RIDEFORLIFE. com and make a difference by getting involved with an individual or corporate sponsorship, attend or host a fundraiser, make a donation, or buy a t-shirt or magnetic car ribbon.

For more information, call 631-444-1292 or e-mail info@rideforlife.com.