Race to a cure for ALS

Brian Wallach has already beaten the odds. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – and given just six months to live. He's used that time to lobby for more research funds for dozens of clinical trials of promising drugs to combat the disease. Correspondent Lee Cowan talks with Wallach and his wife, Sandra Abrevaya, about their organization, I Am ALS, and their unceasing efforts to expand treatments for ALS patients; and with Chris Snow, whose use of a promising experimental ALS treatment has already more than doubled his life expectancy.

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[esmeu]

My heart goes out to all this families fighting ALS. Going through it with my mom.

[ritamarie]

ALS is not a terrible disease. It is devastating and a death sentence. It is so hard to believe that nothing came out of all the research money from the ice bucket challenge. I am bed bound and an invalid due to MS. I was also highly educated and a productive member of society, wife and mother. I was robbed in the prime of my life by an invisible enemy. So much help is needed in so many areas.

[brandonsdreams]

My grandmother passed away in 2007 from ALS, there were no treatments and she lived less than a year. I am in school for Biomedical Science, i want to be a doctor and find a cure.. I promised her ❤️❤️❤️ Rest in peace mommom Cacci

[stephaniemitchell]

I was diagnosed with ALS in January and told I have two years to live. The lack of treatment is maddening. AMX0035, NurOwn, and Toferson are all absolutely better than the two approved ALS drugs yet the FDA won't approve them.

[ADRgman]

I lost one of my former teachers to ALS a few months ago. I’m glad that I knew her when she was alive. I will always remember her.

[soniahurtado]

I am leaving with ALS,
I am so grateful for Brian
an his wife they are doing so good with “I Am ALS organization, thank you
Big hug with love
Sonia

[andymcgovern]

I just read your story And your diagnosis with MND. Devastating disease. But not all who are diagnosed with this cruel disease die within the life expectancy of this disease. 2 to 5 years. I was diagnosed in 1977. 48 years ago. I'm still alive. Badly wounded but I appreciate my remaining abilities. I can still walk, talk, and write to you with voice recognition software. Hang in there You have got the right attitude. Humour and acceptance. I had two other colleagues with the disease here in Ireland. One lived 30 years with the disease and the other 35 years. Trust in God and trust in yourself. And all will be well. Andy ~

[Christianduke-bn]

A absolutely horrible disease! I lost my mother to ALS. Was given 2-5 years and lost her in 8 months.

[lisaferrin]

You can see how much his wife loves him. So sweet with him.

[serenesapphire]

Sadly, a Race lost by so many. I lost my Brother to ALS, a strong man with 2 beautiful daughters. May God Bless those suffering from this insidious disease, and their care takers. RIP my beloved Brother Rod ♥️🕊

[brianhumphrey]

My grandmother died from this horrible disease. She fought it for 10 years.

[nutmeg]

In case anyone is wondering, he's still alive as of 2024.

[chrisfinch]

This feels so close to me, since I had a neighbor with A.L.S. and I was feeling so distraught for her family, when I heard that she had passed away from it (since I thought I wanted to say my final words to her). The family was carrying her out on her wheelchair, for her afternoon walks, and I often wondered how she was doing, for herself, and the parting words I said to her, one day, on her last days on earth, was all she and her family needed to hear. Boy, she was one of the best, that our neighborhood ever had. She is still missed, to this day, by all of us. Bless your heart, Lisa. ❤️

[carolrousseau]

God please bless Brian and all the ALS families out there.

[deb]

I lost my cousin Nancy to ALS. I loved Nancy like she was my own sister, a constant ray of sunshine, always optimistic, a talented flutist, with a Degree in Physics. She left behind a daughter and a son. I hope they find a cure for ALS.

[marilynkelly-clark]

I don't know of a worse disease than this one. Your mind is intact and active but trapped inside a body that doesn't work and it robs you of everything from communicating to being able to move, or swallow. It's horrible. I pray for a cure.

[treefiddy]

This disease is the most heartbreaking…

[mikegibson]

My dad here in Texas passed away of ALS in 2002. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys!!! Love, Mike

[docholiday]

My mother was diagnosed about a yr ago and I noticed things weren't right with her voice when she talked but nobody else in the family noticed it. She's losing alot of strength and can no longer speak. I LOVE YOU MOM!!! And miss your voice

[MrJaxonyang]

Anyone who has recently been diagnosed or knows someone with ALS, you're awesome and so much more than your diagnosis. Be strong and sending hope and love. Sincerely, a stranger.