Life Fitness founder aims to raise $12 million for ALS research
Augie Nieto, the man responsible for building a $550 million dollar company called Life Fitness was diagnosed with ALS last year. Augie now aims to raise over $12 million dollars for ALS research on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy association.
In March 2005, during a workout, Augie noticed fatigue in his arms. “I thought, ‘God, getting old stinks,’” Augie says. “Then, the next morning, I couldn’t make my hand spread shaving cream on my face.” Doctors at the Mayo Clinic delivered nightmarish news: Augie had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Soon, he learned, he should expect to lose the ability to feed himself, speak and even breathe without assistance. ALS, which causes progressive muscular paralysis, kills most patients within five years. “I was terrified,” Augie says. “I felt like God was punishing me. Then I decided I could crawl under a rock and die or get out there and try to help people while I’m still here.”
Augie met Luke Christie, the MDA’s 2006 National Goodwill Ambassador. “This little guy had the biggest heart in the room,” Augie says. “His zest for life despite the hand he’s been dealt is incredible. I’ve been a mentor, helping people build up their muscles. But living with a disease was a new experience for me, and I saw an opportunity to be mentored by Luke.”
Since launching Augie’s Quest, Augie has energetically rallied Lance Armstrong, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Major League Baseball to his cause, raising $4.2 million.
To read the full article please visit this page: http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2006/edition_09-03-2006/MDA.
In March 2005, during a workout, Augie noticed fatigue in his arms. “I thought, ‘God, getting old stinks,’” Augie says. “Then, the next morning, I couldn’t make my hand spread shaving cream on my face.” Doctors at the Mayo Clinic delivered nightmarish news: Augie had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Soon, he learned, he should expect to lose the ability to feed himself, speak and even breathe without assistance. ALS, which causes progressive muscular paralysis, kills most patients within five years. “I was terrified,” Augie says. “I felt like God was punishing me. Then I decided I could crawl under a rock and die or get out there and try to help people while I’m still here.”
Augie met Luke Christie, the MDA’s 2006 National Goodwill Ambassador. “This little guy had the biggest heart in the room,” Augie says. “His zest for life despite the hand he’s been dealt is incredible. I’ve been a mentor, helping people build up their muscles. But living with a disease was a new experience for me, and I saw an opportunity to be mentored by Luke.”
Since launching Augie’s Quest, Augie has energetically rallied Lance Armstrong, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Major League Baseball to his cause, raising $4.2 million.
To read the full article please visit this page: http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2006/edition_09-03-2006/MDA.
News Type: