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.
Life Does Not End with an ALS Diagnosis. On January 11, 2013 after three months of tests, Dr. McCluskey at the University of Pennsylvania gave my wife Karolina and I the news as gently as he could, but there is no gentle way to tell someone they have ALS.