ALS Alert mastheadALS Alert mastheadSpring 2003 - Science. Scope. Speed

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In This Issue:

On the Fast Track: Center Collaboration Gives Gene Therapy a Push
Last August, newspapers ran the story of an eye-wideningly successful gene therapy study in ALS mouse models.

Striking a Hopeful Note: The Einhorn Story
Talia, Baruch and their four children have always been close and needed no trauma to make them closer. Nonetheless the illness has inspired them to make the most of every passing day.

Mitochondrial Mess
A few years ago, nobody paid any mind—ALS-wise—to the tiny cell structures. “Journal editors would say ‘Your work is fine, but there’s no interest,'” shrugs Center researcher Zuoshang Xu. Now scientists believe mitochondria lie at the heart of what actually kills cells in the disease.

A Tale of Three Drugs: Where We Stand with Human Trials
With results of last year’s massive screening of existing drugs about to come out, Center scientists are ushering the most promising of the first lot into the testing pipeline.

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About ALS Alert

A Friend Indeed

Just Cure It. Mike.

photo: PALS and marathoner Mike Dawley, just doing it.
Mike Dawley, just doing it.

Fed up with his weight and high blood pressure, Mike Dawley started running in the spring of 2000. But while playing golf that spring, the 37-year-old purchasing manager for a West Virginia-based chemical plant noticed that his golf club felt like it was slipping out of his hand.

Nevertheless he stuck with his fitness regimen, lost 30 pounds and lowered his blood pressure. Except for the continued weakness in his arms, things were looking up. For the arm problem he made a doctor’s appointment. The clinical tests that came back were not what he expected. Mike Dawley had ALS.

“My world was turned upside down,” Dawley says. “I went through the gamut of emotions. But now, thanks to the loving support of family and friends, I’ve found hope.”

With the intensity of marathon runners, some of Dawley’s co-workers, neighbors and relatives have mobilized and created a network they call “Just Cure It.” Together they run marathons and pledge money to support the Packard ALS Center. This year, members of the enthusiastic bunch participated in one 10k run, several 5ks and two mini-marathons. So far they’ve raised about $50,000. Next up is the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, where the family will be running with 40,000 other participants.

Dawley is quick to share his outlook: “ALS forces tough choices on you, and I made two early on. First, I’m choosing a positive attitude. Second, I’m choosing to live with ALS, not die from it.” He lives in Morgantown, W. Va. with his wife and two children.

Mike Dawley and the Just Cure It group are developing a Web site. Meanwhile, for information, contact Michael.Dawley@cromptoncorp.com

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Three Strikes, Not Out

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Special Features:

Vantage Point
Why would you study a form of the disease that the vast majority of ALS sufferers don’t have?

On Center
PGA Pro Tom Watson Raises Big Bucks for ALS Research

Speaker's Corner
Merit Cudkowicz, M.D., an expert in designing clinical trials, answers our questions about ALS drug trials.

From the Clinic
It’s hard to imagine some patients becoming more fit for a time after being diagnosed with ALS, but that doesn’t surprise Brenda Shaeffer, physical therapist with the Johns Hopkins ALS Clinic.

A Friend Indeed
Just Cure It. Mike.

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Three Strikes, Not Out

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