Many amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients can live more productive lives with the illness because there is a body of research and advances in technology that allow for better ways of managing the disease. For instance improved knowledge of nutrition and breathing techniques has led to increases in survival. Even with increased survival rates, ALS is grim.

• Some 50 percent of patients live at least two years after diagnosis; 20 percent live five years or more and 10 percent survive more than 10 years.
• Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 75, with the majority after age 60.
• The disease is relatively rare; the incidence is roughly 2 people per 100,000 per year.
• Most surveys hold that ALS is more common in men than women, though that gap may be closing.
• ALS occurs throughout the world with no obvious racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.
• A recent study shows that the average annual cost of a person living with ALS is $260,000.

Mike was diagnosed at a young age and shortly after graduating college, he was forced to concentrate on his diagnosis and not his career. Whereas some people affected by ALS have worked for years, set aside money and made investments, Mike did not have an opportunity to do the same. As a result, it is imperative that we continue to raise money to help support Mike. Please help us and help Mike by contributing today. Thank you!