Former 49ers wide receiver legend Dwight Clark has announced via Twitter that he is suffering from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) causes motor neuron degeneration. As we know, nerve cells control voluntary muscle movement, and when this disease attacks, victims will gradually experience symptoms such as difficulty in speech, swallowing, tripping and even breathing difficulties
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disease which impacts motor neurons that are involved in muscle movement throughout the body.
Approximately 6,000 people in the USA alone are diagnosed with ALS every year.
Dwight Clark announces he is suffering from ALS
Football players and fans are offering support to 49ers legend Dwight Clark. One of the fans who is suffering from ALS has offered his encouragement.
Matt Chaney from Lafayette was diagnosed with ALS in 2001. His ALS is progressing very slowly. He uses a wheelchair to get around and an Ipad to communicate when his speech is fatigued.
One of the many challenges of ALS is the loss of independence, of which Tami, Chaney’s caretaker helps him with.
As the 49ers great Dwight Clark faces this disease, Dr. Jonathan Katz of California Pacific Medical Center offers some hope.
ALS Research
“Scientific research is really reaching a point right now where things are beginning to tip right now. We’re getting a better understanding of the disease,” said Dr. Katz.
Dwight Clark, who played for the San Francisco 49ers team of the National Football League from 1979 to 1987 says he believes there’s a link with football. Mr. Chaney isn’t sure though, he also played college football back in the 1970s.
With proper funding of research to find a treatment and a cure, Chaney is hoping for some conclusive answers.
As much as Chaney, a married father of two is able to still do, he is the first to admit that ALS is a nightmare and he devotes most of his free time to raising awareness and funds for a cure. He has been recognised for his work with the ALS Association, and is one the board of directors for the Golden West Chapter of the ALS Association.
He has offered to share his experiences with Dwight Clark and others who has been affected by this debilitating disease.
“If they have any questions he’s here,” said Tami, Chaney’s caretaker.
Some excerpts from Clark’s letter:
“In September of 2015, I started feeling weakness in my left hand. I was mildly paying attention to it because since my playing days, I’ve constantly had pain in my neck. I was thinking it was related to some kind of nerve damage because it would just come and go.”
“…What I do know is I have a huge battle in front of me and I’m grateful for the strength and unconditional love from my wife Kelly..She keeps thinking positive and convinces me each day that we can beat this, as does my daughter Casey and my son Mac…been unwavering with their love and support. My ultimate hope is that eventually I can assist in finding a cure for ALS, which disrupts the lives of so many and their loved ones.”
H/T: ABC7 News
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