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.
How many people have died from ALS? ALS is fatal in about 95% of the cases, time is variable between 3 and 20 years. About 5000 people each year are diagnosed with ALS, so generically/mathematically, about 4700 people die annually.