Only Fossett is flying solo on the estimated two to three week trip. In addition, three other teams have announced their plans to join the race, including a team who will make their attempt from Australia, ascending to an altitude of 130,000 feet.
ALS is a fatal disease: Most ALS patients die within two to five years of diagnosis. Common causes of death are respiratory failure and/or cardiac problems related to insufficient oxygen. Patients may also suffer respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Fact Sheet. CIRM funds many projects seeking to better understand ALS and to translate those discoveries into new therapies. About 6,400 people are diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrigâs disease) each year in the U.S., and the average survival time is three years. The disease results when the cells in the brain or spinal cord that instruct muscles to moveâcalled motor neuronsâdie off.