ALS

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a motor neuron disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, affecting movement, speech and even breathing.

For some, progression can be rapid and for others, it can be slower. Though the rate of progression can vary, ALS is 100% fatal. The life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years. 

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Who is at risk for ALS?

EVERYONE.

No race, sex, ethnicity or age group is spared, though it is more common with age. ALS is an uncommon disorder, but the rate of occurrence is steadily increasing.

The worldwide number of people living with ALS is expected to rise more than 70% by 2040.

For all these reasons and more, there is an urgent need to move fast to find ALS therapies and ultimately a cure. 

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• Over 30,000 people are living with ALS in the US alone
• 10-15% of people with ALS have a familial/genetic form of the illness
• 1 in 300 men will develop ALS in their lifetime
• 1 in 400 women will develop ALS in their lifetime

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Information Source

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How is ALS treated?

There is no known cure for ALS and no effective treatment to reverse its progression either, which is why organizations like Hop On A Cure are working tirelessly to help fund research and spread awareness.

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How can you help fight ALS?

Currently, a severe deficit exists in the funding of ALS research, which is needed to identify and understand the inner workings and risk factors of ALS. 

To achieve these goals and put an end to ALS, there is an urgent need for funding and continued research. Hop On A Cure aims to lower this deficit by funding traditional and non-traditional research that will make ALS a thing of the past.

You can do your part by donating directly to Hop On A Cure or by creating your own community-driven fundraising project benefitting Hop On A Cure. Whether it's something as simple as a lemonade stand or more formal like a Gala, with your help we are double-timing towards a cure.

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