My name is Augie Nieto. I am 57 years old. I have ALS.
Perhaps you’ve heard my name before or have seen my story in headlines?
“Life Fitness Founder Battles ALS”, “A Fitness Mogul, Stricken by Illness, Hunts for Genes”, “Father Diagnosed With ALS Fulfills Dream Of Walking On Daughter’s Wedding Day”, “Augie’s Quest – A Moving Story, Despite Writing”, “Natalie Morales Inspired By Life Fitness Founder’s ALS Fight”, “Augie Nieto And That Crazy Ice Bucket Challenge”.
…My wife, Lynne, says that I love media attention. I don’t know where she gets this idea from?
Yes, I have been written about and interviewed countless times, but for reasons that I had never envisioned for myself.
I always had big dreams. I am the co-founder of Life Fitness, the leading fitness equipment manufacturer in the world. At the height of my career, it seemed that I was fulfilling my destiny. Little did I know that there was a bigger plan in store– a much more impactful one.
Today, my name is synonymous with the term ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease – a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks voluntary muscles, leaving patients unable to walk, talk, and eventually unable to breathe. The average life expectancy is two-five years after being diagnosed. Currently, there is no drug or cure for this terminal disease. ALS is weight so heavy, not even a “fitness mogul” can grasp.
This is my tenth year living with ALS.
I have decided to start this blog to share my experiences honestly, with others struggling along the same path. It’s a way to hear my voice without hearing my voice – to hear each other’s voices.
It’s been a long journey, but I have gained so much during the past decade living with ALS. I now see things that I may have overlooked before – simple things. Feeling the unconditional love displayed by my wife and children, overwhelming support from long time friends and the little joys of life.
Having ALS has inspired me and Lynne to do something positive with the diagnosis. We partnered with the ALS Therapy Development Institute, the world’s #1 research lab for ALS. This union has allowed us to streamline our efforts and make a bigger impact. Over the past 10 years, Augie’s Quest raised over $45 million dollars and continues to thrive.
ALS has been my greatest challenge, and soon to be my greatest accomplishment. I believe it is my purpose on this earth to help find a cure.
It is my hope that this blog serves as a platform for hope and guidance to other PALS and their loved ones.
ALS sucks, so let’s talk about it.
Sh%* No One Has Said About ALS 
I want to say thank you for all you do to raise awareness! I work for MAC Angels Foundation – we support families with ALS in NY, CT, and NJ. All our services are free – if you know of anyone who needs our services have them email me or visit our website. We accompany PALS to clinic appts, secure loaner vans & medical equipment, navigate benefits, provide emotional support, secure ramps, and much more. We meet with all of our families and explore together how best we can help. We compliment other organizations who raise money for treatment and research by filling the survivorship gap. Anyway I wanted to be sure I spread the word so you could pass the info on. Thanks again for all you do and God bless!
LikeLike
Ellen, this is great info! Is this specific to ALS or all diseases? Can you send me a link to more info on MAC Angels Foundation?
LikeLike
Augie, I read your blog. Think of you often.
Greg Savettiere
LikeLike
Thanks Greg!
LikeLike
hang in there mr. augie & keep fighting!!
LikeLike
Thanks Rick!
LikeLike
Thank you, Augie!
You are doing so much for the increasing of the awareness about ALS in the world.
My father was diagnosed with ALS and he brought this burden for 14 years (Unfortunately, he left us 7 years ago).
I see the same strength in you. Please, go on with all the beautiful things you do. Let’s hope that in the future beautiful people like you will not be hit anymore by ALS
LikeLike
Lydia, for some reason ALS likes to attack Bad Ass’ like me and your dad. Keep up the fight!…Augie
LikeLike
been following you for years, one of my best friends is Ron Hemelgarn you are a great person.
LikeLike
Any friend of Ron’s is a friend of mine! Thanks for the support Rocky!
LikeLike
Augie this is Dan Granader I just wanted to tell you how much I miss talking to you. Your a true Fighter .Thank You again for your help when you were with Life Fitness raising money for my Parents Camp- Mak-A -Dream in Montana thru people like you in the pass 20yrs they have seen over 5000 children with a sickening disease I thank you so much stay healthy you are surrounded by love ones Dan
LikeLike
Likewise Dan! Thanks for the update and support….Augie
LikeLike
Augie, I am so proud of you and Lynne for the work you both have done. I love you and your family so much and think of you all everyday. You are my inspiration for determination and dedication in the face of adversity. And if I ever have a down thought about something in my own life, your example puts it all in perspective. I know I have told you this many times, but I don’t want you to ever forget it. Since that very first day when we all heard the news, I have been astounded by your courage but mostly about the way you have taken something so devastating and made it a powerful force to be reckoned with. I BELEIVE a cure will be found.
LikeLike
Juliette, thank you for your continued support and friendship!…Augie
LikeLike
Augie, I’m Robert Mills’ wife. He worked for Life Fitness starting in 1989, we used to live close to Karen (Volkartstraße, Munich). Just wanted to let you know that we’ve been thinking about you over the years and can’t believe how strong and courageous you and your family have been. Keep up the good fight!
LikeLike
Bettina, thanks for reaching out and for your support!…Augie
LikeLike