Fine piece on Orlando Thomas' fight with ALS

Possibly a d_b, possibly better suited for the journalism board, but worth the duplication or misplacement if it means more people see it:

http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1235182.html

 

Thanks for posting that. I had no idea.

 

Thanks for posting this story. It's a fitting tribute to "OT." Orlando is one of the nicest people I've ever met. It saddens me to see him in his present state, but knowing that he's still the same OT deep down inside brings a smile to my face.

 

Boy, that was hard to get through. :'(

I just finished the Lou Gehrig book, "Luckiest Man," and I can't recommend it enough. The research is the best I've ever seen on Gehrig's life ... and death. I don't think I ever fully realized how devastating ALS is. Just heart-breaking.

 

ALS is probably the worst thing on the planet. It is the epitome of cruel and unusual punishment.

 

My wife's grandfather had ALS. It was terrible to see what it did to him.

 

My father died of it. I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy.

There are regular research developments, but containment, let alone a cure, still are likely many years away. See here for more information and how you can help.

 

Melodius,
Sorry for your loss. Isn't this disease hereditary?

 

About 5-10% of cases every year are what they call "familial" or inherited. Most cases are new, unconnected (what they call "sporadic") cases. My father's was thought to be sporadic, but designation is based almost entirely on family history (which can be extremely limited). Genetic tests are only available for about 20% of familial cases. A test has not yet been created which would identify the possibility of familial ALS for the other 80% of FALS cases.

 

Thanks for posting. A sad, moving story.

 

It's not hereditary in the sense that if your father had it, the chances of you having it are necessarily greater. Like diabetes or heart disease.

DocTalk would know more, but I think "inherited" ALS means that the causes might be attributed to genetics in nature ... not that ALS is inherited, in the common sense of the word.