R. Michael “Mike” Justice, an environmental engineer and consultant, died
on July 21, 2006 after an extended battle with
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a rapidly progressive disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Eventually, patients lose their strength and ability to move their arms, legs and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, patients cannot breathe without ventilatory
support. Unfortunately, there is no
known cause, no cure and the only FDA
approved drug "might" extend life a few
months. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within three to five years. About 10 percent of patients survive for 10 years or more.
Mike was first diagnosed in December 2004
with the disease, which is named for the New
York Yankees' first baseman who died of ALS
in 1941. During his battle with ALS, Mike strove to educate people about the disease both through personal contact and 20 issues of his newsletter, ALS Adventures, which reached hundreds of people by e-mail. The publication, which he wrote from March 2005 to
July 2006, contained Mike’s periodic accounts of his experiences living with ALS. All issues are available online at
www.mikejusticefund.org/ALSAdventures.asp
On July 6, 2006, Mike and Susan Justice
created the Mike Justice Fund. Just two
weeks after establishing this extremely
worthy fund, Mike lost his 18 month battle
with ALS. The Mike Justice Fund helps
support research to find a cure for ALS and
provide much needed services to ALS patients
and their families. By becoming an
“Associate” of the Mike Justice Fund you
will help sustain hope in thousands of
people affected by ALS. Because of Mike's involvement in
environmental issues, a portion of your gift
may go toward providing environmental
engineering and science scholarships to
well-qualified students. Gifts to the Mike Justice Fund are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Mike Justice Fund is a Donor Advised Fund held by the JCF
which is designated by the IRS as a
Not-for-Profit 501(c)(3) organization, FEIN
95-6111928.
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