And there is no cure or treatment to reverse the debilitating effects. Bruce Wilson was given his "death sentence" in 1997, but the 61-year-old Dundas resident has managed to beat the odds by outliving doctors' expectations.

In most cases, ALS strikes randomly and unexpectedly. Wilson, a former customer service manager, didn't know anything about the disease before he was diagnosed.

"People I'd been working with for years started questioning my sobriety," he said, after his speech started slurring.

"At that point, I realized I'd better see a doctor quick."

The prognosis wasn't optimistic -- Wilson was told it was only a matter of time before he lost the ability to walk, talk and care for himself.

Rather than dread the inevitable, Wilson decided to get involved in the annual walkathon to raise money and awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

He's been a co-ordinator for the past four years and has seen the money collected grow from $7,500 in 1998 to more than $50,000 at last year's event.

"I don't dwell too much on things you can't do anything about," explained Wilson.

"I never look back at those early days and feel sorry for myself. I try to enjoy each and every day."

He made a oath to himself five years ago to spend his remaining days raising public awareness and helping others cope with the disease.

"He's amazing -- a real role model," says ALS Hamilton regional manager Sharon Babineau. "Here's a guy who is using precious energy to make life better for someone else down the road."

Babineau decided to help ALS sufferers after her husband died from the same disease several years ago.

She compares the symptoms to being buried alive in a glass coffin -- because patients retain their mental sharpness as their body slowly stops functioning.

Organizers are hoping for a big turnout for today's walk at Bayfront Park. The goal this year is to raise $150,000 for research and new equipment.

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