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A pioneer, and one of the most respected figures in the fitness industry, is fighting
for his life.
A generation ago, Augie Nieto jump-started the fitness industry with the widespread
introduction of the Lifecycle and other cardio equipment. He co-founded and was
president of Life Fitness, and now is chairman of Octane Fitness. In 2005, he received
the fitness industry’s top honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
But in March 2005, at age 48, Nieto – fit, buff and at the top of his game -- learned
he had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease). It’s a progressive
and debilitating disease that destroys nerve cells that control muscles, ultimately
causing complete paralysis.
The cause of the disease isn’t known, and no cure exists. Death typically occurs
three to five years after diagnosis. Most of the 5,000 new cases a year are adults
in their prime.
Before 2005 had ended, Augie and his wife, Lynne, had taken aggressive steps to
investigate the causes of the disease that was steadily sapping his vitality. In
conjunction with MDA (the Muscular Dystrophy Association), the Corona del Mar, Calif.,
couple formed the Augie’s Quest research initiative. They also became co-chairs
of MDA’s ALS Division.
In that role, they raise awareness of the disease through public appearances, speaking
engagements, news media interviews and public service announcements. Augie also
serves MDA as a volunteer National Vice President.
In its first two years, MDA’s Augie’s Quest raised more than $12 million for ALS
research through a variety of events, galas and donations. Events like “The Bash”
– now an annual happening in conjunction with the International Health, Racquet
and Sportsclub Association’s International Convention and Trade Show - has attracted
celebrities like Lance Armstrong, Bob Saget, Robin Williams and Billy Crystal.
Over the years, Augie has been able to attract many well known celebrities to help
him raise awareness and donations. Pop music and dance icon Paula Abdul even made
a surprise appearance at the Tradition of Hope Gala in Los Angeles last fall, taking
time out of her busy "American Idol" schedule to join the Quest. Abdul delighted
event guests by mingling and graciously posing for photos, all while helping the
gala raise over $700,000 in just one night for ALS research. Five for Fighting’s
John Ondrasik has also lent his status to the cause, and more big names are expected
as the Quest gathers momentum. The Today Show’s Natalie Morales was the emcee
for the this year’s Bash, NFL great Ronnie Lott took part, and Pat Monahan from
the music group “Train” performed.
As quickly as Augie and his team are raising the money, MDA scientists are finding
promising and cutting-edge projects on which to spend it.
In 2006, the initiative funded a revolutionary screening of the entire human genome
(the complete sequence of DNA in the human species), testing samples from more than
1,200 people with ALS and uncovering provocative research targets that still are
being investigated for their possible role in ALS.
In 2007, Augie’s Quest enabled MDA to join forces with the ALS Therapy Development
Institute in Massachusetts. Together, the organizations committed $36 million to
ALS research over a three-year period in the largest ALS drug discovery effort to
date.
Meanwhile, Nieto’s ALS symptoms continue to progress. Even as his strength deteriorates,
his mind remains razor sharp. Although his speech is slurred and slowed from the
disease, he uses a computer by moving a special mouse control with his foot. He
relies on a motorized wheelchair for mobility and, in 2007, he was one of the first
to have a diaphragm stimulator implanted. This new technology helps him breathe
as his respiratory muscles steadily lose function.
“I can’t go through life thinking that what I have can’t be beaten,” Nieto says.
“I believe there’s a cure and I won’t take no for an answer.”
The same forceful, tenacious personality that kept him selling Lifecycle machines
gym to gym until success took hold now fuels the fight of his life.
He describes those aspects of his life in his book, “Augie’s Quest: One Man’s Journey
from Success to Significance” (Bloomsbury USA, 2007). His rationale for writing
the book, and for his highly public, ongoing and unrelenting efforts to raise funds
for ALS research, is simple. “You’ve got to put a human face on ALS. To attract
funding to find a cure, you have to let me go through the transformation as an ALS
patient in public, not in private.”
In February 2007, Nieto received the International Humanitarian Award from the Young
Presidents’ Organization (an international organization of prominent young business
leaders) for his efforts in advancing ALS research and contributions to the fitness
industry.
His transformation as ALS takes its toll may be very public, but equally evident
is the hope and promise of his determination.
“The most promising development to-date is bringing to bear cutting-edge technology
to fight this disease,” says Sharon Hesterlee, MDA’s vice president of translational
research. “Because of the fundraising work and business advice that Augie has provided,
MDA has been able to tackle ALS with the same weapons used by the pharmaceutical
industry.
“It’s a very systematic approach. When you turn over all the rocks, you’ll eventually
find what you’re looking for. Now, it’s a matter of when, not if, we get to the
bottom of ALS.”
Until then, Augie and Lynne Nieto and a growing team of supporters remain focused
and determined to bring down the killer disease.
As Lynne often reminds supporters, “ALS is Lou Gehrig’s disease, but it’s going
to be Augie Nieto’s cure.”
If Patricia Laus has her way, everyone from fitness club members to club owners
and industry bigwigs will get involved in Augie’s Quest, one hour at a time, with
“Clubs for the Cure.”
To find the cure for ALS, the “Clubs for the Cure” team has launched the first phase
of its grassroots effort to involve all health and fitness clubs across the United
States.
“It’s all about the relationships we have with one another as industry leaders and
coming together to support Augie in his quest,” said Laus, owner and founder of
the Atlantic Club, and originator of the Clubs for the Cure concept. “It will be
critical for club owners to involve their staff and, most importantly, their membership
base in holding one fundraising event, on one day, for one hour, to benefit Augie’s
Quest.”
As an example, Laus said a club could hold a Spinning class for an hour, and charge
$50 for a spot on a bike.
Laus noted that the health and fitness industry has a unique opportunity to work
together as a team to support Augie's efforts to find a cure for ALS. “We need your
help! Is there anyone in the industry that can't dedicate one hour for Augie? The
answer, I believe, is one big no!”
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