Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heartbreaking neurodegenerative disease that gradually takes a toll on the motor neurons in both the brain and spinal cord. This disruption results in muscle weakness, twitching, and ultimately muscle wasting, which makes it increasingly challenging for someone to carry out everyday movements like walking, talking, and even breathing. As the condition progresses, people may struggle with basic tasks such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking, along with facing serious respiratory issues.
How Many People Are Diagnosed With ALS Each Year?
ALS usually shows up in people between the ages of 55 and 75, and interestingly, men tend to be a bit more affected than women in the earlier years. There are two main types of this condition: sporadic ALS, which makes up around 90% of cases and appears without any clear pattern, and familial ALS, impacting about 10% of those diagnosed, which is passed down through families.
5 Famous Personalities Diagnosed With ALS
Credit: X/@TheScientist_SH
Stephen Hawking’s incredible journey with ALS kicked off in 1963 when he received his diagnosis at just 21 years old. Doctors initially predicted he would only have two years to live, but Hawking proved them wrong, living for an astonishing 55 years with the condition. This made him one of the longest-surviving ALS patients ever. His remarkable longevity can be credited to a few key factors: a slowly progressing form of the disease, top-notch medical care, and his relentless determination to keep going.
Credit: X/@GraigKreindler
Lou Gehrig, the iconic first baseman for the New York Yankees, became synonymous with ALS after he had to retire unexpectedly due to his diagnosis. Known as “The Iron Horse” for his incredible achievement of playing 2,130 consecutive games, Gehrig’s career was tragically halted by the neuromuscular disorder that would eventually carry his name.
Credit: X/@SteveGleason
Steve Gleason, who once played safety for the New Orleans Saints, has emerged as a significant voice in the ALS community ever since he was diagnosed in 2011. His transformation from a professional athlete to a passionate advocate for ALS has been filled with incredible accomplishments and an unwavering determination. In 2015, he took on the challenge of urging Microsoft to develop eye-tracking technology to help with wheelchair navigation, which ultimately led to its inclusion in Windows 10 products around the world.
Credit: YouTube/Zac Brown Band
John Driskell Hopkins, one of the founding members of the Zac Brown Band, truly embodies resilience as he faces the challenges of ALS. After being diagnosed in 2021, he quickly turned his personal battle into a purpose, launching the Hop on a Cure foundation to support ALS research. His story sheds light on the unpredictable symptoms of ALS, which can range from balance problems to slurred speech, and emphasizes the critical need for early diagnosis.
Credit: YouTube
Jason Becker’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience against the odds of ALS. Diagnosed at just 20, right when his career with David Lee Roth’s band was gaining momentum, Becker didn’t let ALS stifle his passion for music. With the help of cutting-edge communication technology and an unyielding spirit, he still creates music and inspires fans all over the globe, showing that the power of creativity can rise above any physical challenges.
Battling ALS: A Tough But Not Impossible Battle
The stories of well-known people who have been diagnosed with ALS serve as a powerful reminder that this heartbreaking disease doesn’t play favorites—it can impact anyone, from athletes and artists to scientists and entertainers. While their celebrity status may have helped shine a light on the issue, it’s their incredible bravery, advocacy, and unwavering spirit in the face of ALS that have created legacies far beyond their professional achievements.
Take Lou Gehrig, for instance, who brought national attention to the illness, or Stephen Hawking, who pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible despite his diagnosis. Today, many public figures continue to use their influence to promote research and raise awareness. Each of these journeys not only inspires us but also fuels our shared hope for better treatments, an improved quality of life, and, ultimately, a cure.
