NFL Star Dwight Clark Reveals He Has ALS

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by Wendy Henderson |

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Last week, former NFL player Dwight Clark revealed that he’s been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). According to a report in the LA Times, the 60-year-old first started experiencing symptoms in 2015 when he began losing strength in his left hand.

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Clark announced his diagnosis in an open letter in which he reveals that he saw numerous neurologists and ALS specialists before being diagnosed. He describes his current symptoms of weakness in his right hand, abdomen, back and right leg and that he is unable to run, play golf or walk long distances.

Although the disease is affecting his life, Clark explains that doctors have told him that his ALS is progressing quite slowly compared to other ALS patients. He states that although he can’t know for sure, he believes that playing professional football led to the disease’s development.

Clark talks about the support he’s received, both from family and friends, but also from his former football club. His 49ers teammates have all contacted him to offer their support.

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