Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a fatal disease that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It’s estimated that between 90 and 95 per cent of all ALS cases are sporadic, while 5 – 10 per cent are familial. Approximately 1,000 Canadians are diagnosed with ALS each year, and 5,000 people are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Symptoms include twitching and cramping of muscles, loss of motor control in arms and hands, tripping and falling. An exact cause of ALS is not known, and despite advances in research, there is no known treatment or cure for this disease.

On a personal note, six of my family members (including my father) have died from ALS. To help raise awareness of this dreaded disease, I’ll be donating one dollar (CAD) per book sold (in all formats) to ALS Canada.

For information about ALS or to donate directly, visit als.ca.