Fritz family spearheading drive to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease

What is ALS? One area family unfortunately had to learn the meaning by experience. Family members of Louis Fritz have decided to team with the ALS Association not only to raise awareness of the disease, but also to raise funds for research, support and treatment of others afflicted with this disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body.

The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become paralyzed.

As motor neurons degenerate, impulses cannot be sent to the muscles that would normally result in muscular movements. Early symptoms may include increasing muscle weakness (especially in the arms and legs) and difficulty with speech, swallowing or breathing. Because ALS is such a variable disease, no two people will progress the same.

Each year, 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS, with 60 percent being male and 93 percent Caucasian. Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis.

Although there are several research studies investigating possible risk factors, more work is needed to conclusively determine what genetics and/or environment factors contribute to developing ALS. Research takes money, time and effort to bring about changes and advancements to fight this disease.

Many families are affected by this torturous disease and wish to be proactive, and that is where the family of Louis Fritz comes in. He died in October 2005 from ALS. His family saw how devastating ALS can be, how much support was needed, how little is known about the disease, and how few treatments are available.

That is why this family has decided to help the ALS Association raise money for research, treatments and assisting families in need. The family's walk team, Papa's Pistols, plans to host a garage sale 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at 12503 E. CR 6, Attica. There is to be clothing from infants through plus sizes, household items, furniture and small appliances. For the hungry shopper, there is to be a bake sale featuring homemade noodles, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, buckeyes and other treats. A 50/50 drawing also is to be held.

For questions or donations, contact the ALS Association at (800) 782-4747 or www.alsa.org.