Musician Eric Lowen inspires those with ALS

Performer Eric Lowen, one half of the songwriting and recording duo, Lowen & Navarro, continues to tour across the United States and play music for his fans, even though he has lived with the progressive neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS since 2004 and depends on a motorized wheelchair and other assistive devices for mobility.

Lowen, a resident of Valencia, Calif., leads an active life consisting of performing, traveling, recording and playing music, and serving as an advocate for those living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

The Association’s Greater Los Angeles Chapter has proclaimed Lowen and his wife and caregiver, Kim Ferguson, the family that best exemplifies the spirit of “ALS Across America” for the chapter in Southern California during ALS Awareness Month in May. The “ALS Across America” national campaign recognizes courageous individuals with ALS and their caregivers who are role models to people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. These special individuals reflect the spirit of the organization as they make a positive difference in their community by expanding awareness of ALS and embodying the spirit of living life to the fullest.

“So many patients we work with identify with Eric Lowen’s passion for life and his life’s work,” said Lance Keene, the chapter’s vice president of development. “The hope and encouragement Eric provides through the living example of his indomitable spirit and his ability to educate people about ALS through his music and performances are worth sharing with everyone who cares about ALS patients and families.”

Aside from the aforementioned activities, Lowen and Ferguson go on ski vacations with their five young children, who were all born at the same hospital and happen to be the same age, 15. Twins, Sam Lowen and Annie-Claire Lowen are three days older than triplets Thomas, Katelyn and Hailey Ferguson.


Not only is Lowen a devoted family man, he is also a talented musician. For the past 20 years, Lowen has written and recorded music with Dan Navarro. Up until recently, he played the guitar. However, losing the use of his hands prevents him from continuing to play his instrument. Despite this challenge, Lowen, 57, remains active in his musical career and recently released his and Navarro’s ninth album, “Learning to Fall.”

Lowen’s ties to music play a role in his advocacy efforts with the chapter. He has participated in numerous fundraising activities for the chapter, including a 2005 benefit concert and CD, the “Walk to Defeat ALS TM.” Lowen also performed in the chapter’s 2007 George Gershwin Alone benefit and completed a video of his and Navarro’s recording from title track from their latest CD. The video, which also features patients and others whose lives have been touched by ALS, can be viewed and purchased at Lowen’s Web site, www.lownav.com

“Eric has taken every opportunity to educate the public about Lou Gehrig’s Disease and the work of The ALS Association’s Greater Los Angeles Chapter through his benefit concerts, outreach efforts, and participation in a number of fundraising events,” Keene said.

This year, the chapter honored Lowen’s continuing endeavors in educating the public about ALS and his resilient spirit through presenting him with its Iron Horse Award.

“Eric embodies to the spirit of the original ‘Iron Horse,’ Lou Gehrig, because he has never given up in his efforts to help others and raise funds for services, outreach, advocacy, and research for new treatments and cure for ALS,” Keene said.

Throughout May, The Association and its nationwide network of 42 chapters will reach out to communities across the country to educate the public about Lou Gehrig’s Disease and urge people to join The Association in the fight to make ALS a disease of the past. ALS usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis.

The Association’s National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference, which has grown to be the single largest gathering of the ALS community, and is part of ALS Awareness Month, will be held this year on May 10-12 in Washington, D.C.

The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

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