A good friend of mine’s father died from ALS.
Steve Gleason, former New Orleans Saints player.
And Lou Gehrig.
Oh, and my buddy’s uncle.
I was just challenged to do the Ice Bucket (it was really only a matter of time). I am going to do it tonight and think of my Stepdad. He didn’t have ALS - he had Multi-System Atrophy, which is another rare disease (similar in effects) and was devastating - death 7 to 10 years after diagnosis via stoke or your throat collapsing and suffocating. He had a stroke.
I am of the hope (and it could be BS, but don’t ruin my optimism) that if we can unlock one of these conditions: ALS, Parkinson’s, Huntingtons or MSA, then maybe it will point us to a treatment for the others.
I realize it’s probably a childish, foolishly optimistic belief, but it’s mine 
My aunt had a disease that: walked, talked, and quacked like ALS, but wasn’t ALS.
Charles McPhee, host of popular radio show “The Dream Doctor”.
I was just becoming a regular and enthusiastic listener of his radio show, and then one day it was basically like “Here’s what’s happening, and I’m just about done.” He died shortly after. A sad, damned shame.
[spoiler]Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Of those living, Stephen Hawking is the only name that springs to mind. And he’s had it forever.
Among the dead, Lou Gehrig, Catfish Hunter, Jacob Javits, Kent Hrbek’s father, and a lot of people in Guam.[/spoiler]
A message-board friend, about 15 years ago.
My husband has a nasty genetic disease, and has been disabled and in constant pain since 1998, and endured multiple surgeries. It’s been a rough 16 years and counting. But sometimes I comfort myself with “At least it’s not ALS.” 
I have a rare muscle disease - not ALS - what do I get if I do the bucket challenge!! Other than cold…
Mine too. I donated with my mom in mind. She had MSA and suffocated.