Copyright © 2003 Bogalusa Daily News.

MADISONVILLE, LA — Beth Giacone, 30, of Madisonville has been diagnosed with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

She is married to Bryan Giacone and they have one son, Josh, age four. Bryan is the son of Roy Giacone and Barbara Williams Giacone of Baton Rouge, both formerly of Bogalusa.

ALS is a progressive neuromuscular disease that affects the brain and motor nerves and eventually destroys the voluntary and involuntary muscles of the body. Over time the affected person loses the ability to walk, drive, write, speak, eat, breathe, or perform activities of daily living such as grooming, etc. Eventually they will require the use of canes, walkers, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, communication devices, and possibly depend on a ventilator in order to breathe.

The disease has only a two to five year life expectancy, but develops at a different rate according to each individual. Since each case is different, some may survive past the average life expectancy and some will not, according to treatment and care received.

There is no cure for the disease, but there is hope in a new research using stem cell replacement therapy using extracted bone marrow from a donor.

Family members said this is very hopeful in minimizing the progression of the muscle degeneration and Beth has been accepted as a candidate for the procedure at Baylor Medical facility in Houston, Texas.

Her twin sister plans to be the bone marrow donor for her. Beth will be required to stay near the hospital in Houston for a minimum of 100 days monitoring following the procedure.

A benefit account has been set up to assist with costs associated with the procedure, the stay in Houston, and other unforeseen expenses. Anyone who wishes to contribute may do so at any Parish National Bank, Account No. 8104444-5.

For more information or to offer assistance of any kind, please contact Beth's friend, Carla McIntyre, at 985-892-8125 or 225-936-1465.

Family members said the prayers and any act of consideration will be deeply appreciated