ALS, short for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and MND, short for Motor Neuron Disease are two names for one devastating neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurons. Degeneration of the motor neurons leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. And 80 per cent of those affected will die within two to five years of diagnosis. According to the World Health Organization, neurodegenerative diseases are predicted to surpass cancer as the second leading cause of death in Canada by 2040. The MND) Association http://www.mndassociation.org/), and it's Canadian equivalent, The ALS Society of Canada (http://www.als.ca/), are two charities which are committed to one extremely worthwhile cause:
- Support research towards a cure for MND / ALS
- Support national / provincial MND/ALS societies in their provision of quality care for persons living with the disease
- Build public awareness of MND/ALS and its impact
http://www.justgiving.com/Heather-Geluk-Everest2010