McMichael has ALS

[returnofjakedog]

So Steve "Mongo" McMichael announced has ALS, and has regressed to the point where he is wheelchair bound.

Bears legend McMichael reveals ALS diagnosis

Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle and ex-WCW professional wrestler Steve McMichael revealed in an interview that doctors diagnosed him with ALS three months ago.

www.espn.com

My Mom passed from ALS just a few years ago. It destroys the body, typically from the neck down but at least the brain remains intact until the last few weeks or so. No major relief or cure for it.

Mongo is sadly on a countdown now. My best wishes to him.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

That's really too bad.

For those of you that need a bit more info: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Wikipedia

Same thing Stephen Hawking had but living for much more than 5-10 years (not even the worse case scenario) is not likely. He's 63 and has a daughter who is 13 so that's really too bad. 63 isn't a spring chicken but still fairly young by today's standards.

 

[returnofjakedog]

That's really too bad.

For those of you that need a bit more info: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Wikipedia

Same thing Stephen Hawking had but living for much more than 5-10 years (not even the worse case scenario) is not likely. He's 63 and has a daughter who is 13 so that's really too bad. 63 isn't a spring chicken but still fairly young by today's standards.

There are differences in the extremes of it. Hawking's longevity with the disease was by far the exception to the rule. So you are very correct in that Mongo is most likely on the short clock at this point.

Some things I found out from my dear Mom having ALS:
*It is a diagnosised via elimination because there is no test for it. What I mean by that is that they eliminate other possible diagnosis until ALS remains the only remaining option.
For example: They thought my mother had a stroke until months went by and they were able to ascertain that wasn't the case.
*By the time a firm diagnosis is made, it is typically 2 to 3 years max for the vast majority.
Since Mongo is already wheelchair bound I would say he is already somewhere in that time frame.

This next part can freak people out, so be warned.
*Typically it starts in the legs and works it's way up the body. As I stated, your mind remains clear usually until the very end. What ends up happening is that eventually the lungs stop working and you literally drown.

Very sad, disturbing disease. I truly send my best wishes to McMichael and his family during these hard times.

 

[returnofjakedog]

McMichael's gofundme for his ALS care:

Donate to Team Mongo - Steve McMichael ALS Care, organized by Betsy Shepherd

Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX Champion and fan favorite, Steve "Mongo" McMichael, h… Betsy Shepherd needs your support for Team Mongo - Steve McMichael ALS Care

www.gofundme.com

It doesn't appear folks here are fans of his (considering the lack of response to the news) but I thought I'd drop it just in case. I sent a few bucks to try to help him out.