The formal name for ALS fits in a tongue-lashing category (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and its effects are even more difficult to bear.

ALS sat in the dugout of inattention until the great Lou Gehrig, the famous first baseman for the New York Yankees, cut his career short because of it. He was 36 years old. The disease strikes the body’s motor system at the brain and spinal cord.

In recent years, who could forget the photos of another wrinkled-up, bent-over victim, Stephen Hawking, who was probably the best-known physicist since Albert Einstein?

Here is what Hawking had to say about ALS: “If you are disabled, it is probably not your fault, but it is no good blaming the world or expecting it to take pity on you. One has to have a positive attitude and must make the best of the situation that one finds oneself in: If one is physically disabled, one cannot afford to be psychologically disabled as well.”

Hawking lived an intellectual life of stupendous proportions despite the crippling effects of the disease. And during this month, ALS Awareness Month, it is appropriate to offer some hope to those afflicted with it or those who care about someone who has the disease.

Admittedly, so many of us are now aware of this disease as a result of the proliferation of the “ALS ice bucket challenge” that took over social media nearly five years ago. I too joined the effort, and it afforded me the opportunity to meet and spend time with my friend, Milt Sierra, who unfortunately has since succumbed to ALS.  You may ask, what resulted from endless videos of people getting ice dumped over their heads? Well, besides increased public awareness, over $100 million was donated for ALS research.

In this blog, we often draw attention to social movements or organizations that center on a particular illness or disease. We do so because we hope to create awareness and educate. This is why we always share essential facts about these diseases, ranging from danger signs to organizations that raise funds for research. And yes, ultimately, what we are also seeking is support, usually through donations. This is particularly important if the condition is less well-known or the numbers don’t create immediate, overwhelming alarm. But the goal remains the same: raising money for a cure. It’s really is as simple as that. Researchers in the bio-medical field spend countless hours writing proposals for research that might lead to improved treatments or a cure. ALS is no exception. You can learn more at the ALS Association.

Given the dreadful effects of ALS, it isn’t easy to fight the despair that accompanies its diagnosis. That’s why your support for continued research is vital to the relentless journey to eradicate this disease. We need your support.

That’s my take, what’s yours?