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.
ALS is often called Lou Gehrig's disease, after the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with it. ALS is a type of motor neuron disease that causes nerve cells to gradually break down and die. In the United States, ALS is sometimes called motor neuron disease.In most cases, doctors don't know why ALS occurs. A small number of cases are inherited.ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, or sometimes with slurring of speech.n the United States, ALS is sometimes called motor neuron disease. In most cases, doctors don't know why ALS occurs. A small number of cases are inherited. ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, or sometimes with slurring of speech.