Desi Kessler, above, was diagnosed with ALS at 28 after the birth of her daughter. [Credit: Sarah Parker]
(NEW YORK) — Most of us have heard of the disease ALS, but might not actually know what it is.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects neurons in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to muscle wasting and the inability to move the body. 95% of cases appear with no known cause. This makes it particularly difficult for researchers to pin down treatments or find a cure.
Watch this explainer—created, edited, and produced by Sarah Parker—to gain a deeper understanding of how the disease manifests. Follow the personal story of ALS patient Desi Kessler, and get easy-to-understand information from neuroscience expert Dr. Shane A. Liddelow.
Related Posts
February 2, 2026
At 31, She Had a Heart Attack. A Decade Later, She’s Redefining Her Story
Ten years ago, Kisha Stewart was just 31 when she suddenly collapsed with crushing chest pain — what she thought was postpartum fatigue turned out to be a heart attack caused by Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.
January 14, 2026
The Hidden Toll of Rosacea in Darker Skin Tones
From national stages to the camera, Alisha Endre built a career on visibility while quietly managing the unpredictable challenges of rosacea.