JJ on Demand: Andrea Lytle Peet-50 Marathons in 50 States with ALS
Andrea Lytle Peet is nothing short of inspiring, and it was a joy to talk with her about her journey, documentary, book, and 50 marathons, all while battling ALS. She'll be competing in the Prairie Fire Marathon this weekend. There will also be a special screening of her documentary, "Go On Be Brave" at Exploration Place Saturday (10/12) at 4pm. __________ WHAT IS ALS Lou Gehrig's disease, formally known as **amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)**, is a neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Named after the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1939, ALS is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons. These are the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. In ALS, motor neurons gradually deteriorate and die, leading to the weakening and eventual paralysis of muscles. This impacts a person's ability to move, speak, eat, and even breathe. As the muscles waste away, patients may experience muscle stiffness, cramps, and twitching (fasciculations). Over time, individuals lose the ability to perform daily activities, as simple tasks like walking, lifting objects, or speaking become increasingly difficult. While the exact cause of ALS remains unknown in most cases, about 5-10% of cases are inherited, known as familial ALS. The remaining cases, termed sporadic ALS, occur without a clear genetic link. Risk factors may include age (most common in people between 40-70 years old), gender (slightly more prevalent in men), and environmental factors like exposure to toxins. There is no cure for ALS, but treatments like physical therapy, medications such as **Riluzole** (which slows the progression), and supportive care can help improve the quality of life and extend survival. Most people with ALS eventually require mechanical assistance for breathing, as respiratory failure is the leading cause of death. Though devastating, awareness campaigns, such as the **Ice Bucket Challenge** in 2014, have helped increase research funding and public awareness of this life-altering disease.
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