It started with a pain, like a contracture that wouldn’t let go in the calf. Physiotherapist, doctor… until the diagnosis: Sam Lemoine, 40 years old today, suffers from Charcot’s disease. His “amyotrophic lateral sclerosis” as it is also called, or ALS for short, he has had for 6 years.
In 90% of cases, the cause of the disease is unknown, but for the remaining 10%, it is of genetic origin. This neurodegenerative disease slowly kills motor neurons, the nerve cells that direct them and control movement. Patients gradually lose the use of their muscles and end up not knowing how to speak, nor, ultimately, to breathe. Fortunately, Sam Lemoine is still able to walk with a walker or a crutch, to use his hands, to live fully, while being handicapped in his walk and in several tasks.
Today, Sam Lemoine is participating in a clinical study. For 3-4 years, he has been receiving experimental treatment. For the moment, it is an injection every 4 weeks between the vertebrae. She gives him the feeling of living much better. More tone, more vitality, less fatigue. Hope, for a hereditary disease in his case, and a priori without treatment.