They say, Ms. Block, that it's related more to the size of population than to any specific.... I would say obviously Ontario has one of the highest number of ALS patients because of the overall population.
Interestingly enough, there is a study going on in Italie right now that is looking at professional soccer players, and they seem to think that there may be a tie-in with the pesticides and the fertilizers used on the grass. The U.S. is looking at football with regard to head contact, etc. So there could be these little pockets that have an unusually large number of patients.
There are three kinds of ALS. Familial ALS is inherited within the family, and that represents approximately 5%. There's the worst one of all, which is bulbar, which affects the muscles in the throat. Death comes very quickly in that situation. Then there's the one I have, which has no rhyme or reason. I just try to think positively, but I know that I'm the lone voice. I'm in a 5% bracket now, so please don't look at me as being the normal ALS client. I'm absolutely one of the very lucky ones, if you want to say that, because I do feel lucky. I have a wonderful wife and a wonderful caregiver and a strong support system.