Overview
- Former NFL running back Chris Johnson publicly disclosed that he has been diagnosed with ALS, saying the disease has progressed quickly and taken his natural voice so he now uses an eye-controlled speech device.
- Johnson has asked the public to restart the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, posting videos that included his daughter and direct nominations of other athletes to help raise awareness.
- Former teammates and high-profile athletes including Marshawn Lynch, Deion Sanders and Vince Young responded with their own challenge videos, giving the campaign rapid social-media traction.
- Johnson’s fundraiser has generated early donations to the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, with coverage reporting more than $33,000 raised in days.
- ALS is a progressive, usually sporadic disease with no cure and limited treatments, and Johnson’s public appeal could increase research funding, prompt more clinical-trial enrollment, and change how athletes and families seek earlier diagnosis and care.