What is ALS?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease. ALS, also known as motor neuron disease, progressive muscular atrophy, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, was identified in 1869. Once thought rare, it is now
considered fairly common, striking both men and women, generally between the ages of 40 and 75.

ALS is characterized by a degeneration of motor cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and, as the disease progresses, severe impairment of mobility, speech, swallowing, and respiratory function. The mind remains intact and
unaffected. Average lifespan, following diagnosis, is two to five years.

While recent research has shed light on possible causes of ALS, its cure remains a mystery.

How You Can Help

• By becoming a member of our Chapter

• By volunteering your time

• By contributing or raising funds for research and patient services

• By supporting our Chapter through the

• United Way donor choice program,

• Combined Federal Campaign, or a corporate matching gift program -- please call for our

• Chapter's account number for your campaign

The mission of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association is to offer comprehensive patient care and support to individuals with ALS and their families, to support research dedicated to discovering the cause of and cure for
ALS, to educate and inform the general public and the health care community about ALS, to provide advocacy for ALS research and health care concerns, and to raise funds to facilitate these efforts.

Information on this page is provided by the ALS Association ( Greater Philadelphia Chapter)