ALS Warrior Linda Brossi Murphy Dies, Inspiring Others With Her Story
Linda Brossi Murphy, a 60-year-old woman, passed away from Bulbar ALS, a form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Before her passing, she wrote her own obituary, which sparked a mix of emotions and inspired many to cherish life and loved ones.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is currently no cure, as researchers struggle to pinpoint its causes and develop effective treatments. Many drugs fail to cross the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB), further complicating the search for a cure.
Murphy's obituary highlighted the importance of finding a cure for ALS and supporting those affected by the disease. She donated her brain and spinal cord to Massachusetts General Hospital to aid in research efforts. The obituary also thanked her loved ones and asked them to spend money on gifts for friends instead of flowers for her funeral. Murphy's final words, a joke about 'dying of FOMO' (fear of missing out), went viral and moved many netizens with her resilience and sense of humor.
Researchers believe a combination of genetics and environmental factors play a role in both genetic and sporadic ALS. However, there is little understanding of how these factors influence the onset of the disease.
Linda Brossi Murphy's passing and her inspiring obituary have raised awareness about ALS and the need for further research. While the disease remains incurable, her actions have encouraged others to support those affected and cherish life's moments. Organizations like the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) are active in related neurodegenerative disease research and advocacy, contributing to the broader understanding and treatment of ALS.
