The Lou Gehrig’s Disease patient meeting was held in the Hanyang University (HYU) Alumni Association Building on January 12, 2024. The event went online during the COVID-19 pandemic but finally returned as an offline meeting this year. About 140 patients and their families gathered for a meal with the medical faculties and researchers of the disease.

Son Bu-gyeong, who managed the planning and hosting of the event, says that one of the biggest challenges in preparing for the event was the five-minute walking distance travel from the HYU hospital to the Alumni Association building. As many of the participants needed assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers to travel, the short walk was a shallow and sloped obstacle course. The hosts of the event took extra care to make sure patients and family members had a safe and pleasurable journey despite the cold weather. Following the event, the hosts are planning a lecture about “Social services related to ALS” and “Care tips according to the progression periods of the disease.”

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal neuron disease in which the nerve cells die out. As the disease progresses, patients lose the ability to make voluntary movements in the arms and legs. Sadly, there is no known cure or cause for the disease.

The HYU Medical Center (HYUMC) is renowned for its excellent medical services regarding ALS treatment. The HYU ALS Clinic established under the leadership of Professor Kim Seung-hyun has devoted 20 years to nurturing an organized system for diagnosis and treatment. The Clinic has specialists who can consult patients about additional inconveniences related to the disease including nutrition, breathing, social services, and rehabilitation.