There is no known cure for ALS, but medical tourism exploits desperation for profit

There is no known cure for ALS, but medical tourism exploits desperation for profit

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurological disorder of unknown cause, in which motor nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord that transmit signals to muscles progressively degenerate. This weakens limbs and affects speech, swallowing and ultimately the ability to breathe, resulting in death, typically within just a few years. Each year in Canada, approximately two people per 100,000 are diagnosed with ALS, amounting to ab…

What we’ve learned about ALS progression over 15 years

It’s hard to believe my husband, Todd, has been living with ALS for over 15 years. His limbs are completely paralyzed, and he uses a noninvasive ventilator nearly 24/7. He can still talk and eat, though not without difficulty. When people with ALS — or those who have a loved one with the disease — learn about Todd, they often ask if he’s done anything that contributes to his longevity. We’ve lived with this disease long enough to witness the wid…