The neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS, has gotten a lot of public attention ever since the Ice Bucket Challenge gained internet fame in 2014. In the wake of this newfound interest, several ALS-related documentaries have been released which explore the impact of this disease on individuals and families. Check out these documentaries featuring subjects with ALS.
“Gleason” (2016)
At the age of 34, Steve Gleason, former NFL defensive back and New Orleans hero, was diagnosed with ALS. Doctors gave him two to five years to live. So that is what Steve chose to do: live. This film incorporates personal video journals from Gleason for his then-unborn son to footage of his adventures undertaken as part of his mission to live his life to the fullest.
“It’s Not Yet Dark” (2017)
This film tells the story of Simon Fitzmaurice, a talented Irish filmmaker who is living with Motor Neuron Disease (ALS). He was diagnosed at the age of 34 after his short film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, while his wife was expecting their third child. They were left shocked and reeling.
“Augie” (2018)
Augie Nieto is known as the Steve Jobs of the fitness industry. However, Augie’s greatest accomplishments came after he was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. Today, the fitness legend takes on ALS with his wife Lynne, leading the quest for effective treatments and an ultimate cure for this debilitating disease.
