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UCI receives $500,000 for ALS program
Local fitness mogul Augie Nieto provides grant to research and treat Lou Gehrig's disease.
By BLYTHE BERNHARD
The Orange County Register


Fitness mogul Augie Nieto has awarded a $500,000 grant for research and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at UC Irvine, the university announced today.

Nieto, of Corona del Mar, was diagnosed with the disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease in March 2005. His foundation, Augie's Quest, has raised more than $6.2 million for ALS research in partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

More than 5,600 Americans are diagnosed with ALS each year, usually between the ages of 40 and 70. The progressive, fatal disease attacks nerve cells and gradually causes complete paralysis.

The MDA ALS and Neuromuscular Diseases Center at UCI offers physical therapy and social services for patients in addition to research.

Nieto, 48, co-founded Lifecycle Inc. while attending Claremont McKenna College in the late 1970s. The company eventually became Life Fitness, one of the world's largest fitness-equipment makers.

For more information visit www.augiesquest.org. or call 888-925-7824.

Contact the writer: 714-796-6880 or bbernhard@ocregister.com