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.
Up to 10 percent of ALS patients live for 10 years or more after diagnosis. Some of these are patients who have opted to use a ventilator to assist breathing. Physicist Stephen Hawking has lived more than 40 years with the disease, though he does not use a respirator.