Patrick Quinn, who helped popularize the viral Ice Bucket Challenge that has raised over $220 million for global research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, died on Sunday, according to the ALS Association. He was 37.
To maintain social distancing rules for the annual walk, people were asked to participate in their neighborhoods or on local trails. “Definitely sad we weren’t able to see everyone on walk day. It’s such a special day but we’ve got awesome pictures, awesome videos that we’ve been sharing all day,” said Katie Crouch of ALS Association of New Mexico.
Jurado-Diaz has ALS, but he does not speak of surrender even though the disease is progressing quicker than he had anticipated. His voice still sounds upbeat and he gives no indication that he was suffering from the terminal disease.
Jurado-Diaz, an East Hartford resident, is the subject of a 13-minute documentary, “A Spirit in Flight.”
An Eastern Iowa man is using his personal experience to help raise awareness and find a cure for ALS.
Rusty Bromwell is an Army Veteran and was diagnosed with ALS - Lou Gehrig’s Disease in January, after struggling with symptoms for a year and a half. So, he and his wife decided to form a team and Saturday, he along with family and friends walked for the annual ALS walk in North Liberty. However, this year due to COVID-19, the way the walk is being held is different. Instead of one big walk, individual teams are doing their own walk.
Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say about 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with ALS every year. A local couple is driving across the country to raise money and awareness for the disease.
John Robert Herzberg says his godfather, Mark Lang, is adventurous and always trying something new. “He’s a very active guy,” Herzberg said. “I guess he introduced me to getting out there and doing things.” Three years ago, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Beyond the physical struggle of paralysis, it's the loss of Independence that can be the hardest to bear mentally and emotionally. But this morning, there's new hope for people living with paralysis, attempt to regain that Independence, take back control of their world using direct thought.