Hi Bonnie! Welcome to NeuroTalk!
I see in your profile that you asked if ALS was hereditary. I've posted the link to the ALS Forum in case you haven't already visited there. I'm sure there are many knowledgeable people in that forum that could answer your questions. Feel free to join in on any forum. Glad to have you here!
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum6.html