FAQ

What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Yet, through it all, for the vast majority of people, their minds remain unaffected.Early symptoms of ALS often include increasing muscle weakness, especially involving the arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing.

ALS can strike anyone, of any race or ethnic background, at any age. Approximately 80% of cases begin between 40-70 years of age. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years. ALS is not a rare disease. Of the U.S. population living today, over 300,000 Americans will die from ALS.. It is a fact that, if we solve the mystery of ALS, we will learn what we need to know about other devastating brain diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, which afflict over six million people.Lillians Journey supports Project ALS.
Project A.L.S. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to:

• Finding a cure for A.L.S.
• Finding an effective treatment for people living with A.L.S.
• Raising awareness about A.L.S.

Since it’s founding, in 1998, Project A.L.S. has raised over $23 million. Over 83% of the money raised goes directly to funding for historic research programs.Supporting Project A.L.S. & Lillian’s Journey

A Letter From Peter Gusmano..

Lillian Gusmano, a mother, a wife, a best friend. To know my mother was to know a woman who dedicated her life to making her family, friends and those who surrounded her, bask in the glow of her wonderful spirit. Everyone who met my mother was touched in one way or another. Perhaps it was a meaningful word, a kind gesture or a gentle hug that warmed the core of your heart. Lillian gave the world life and will eternally continue to represent the grace and dignity of someone facing the ultimate adversity, ALS. The day my mother was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), she shrugged her shoulders, turned to me and with a tear in her eye, said “why me?” That day, I was faced with my most difficult moment… not being able to answer my mother.  18 months later, I lost my mother.

Every penny of your contribution from buying this CD will go to helping research and cure ALS.  Nobody should ever have to face this disease alone without support.  We must find a cure.  To make addition donations, please visit www.lilliansjourney.com and www.projectals.org

GUITAR FOR A CURE IS A CERTIFIED 501 (c) (3) FOR PROJECT ALS.