Hawkins is a rare case of someone who has survived day with ALS . ALS Association affects as many as 30,000 people worldwide and 350,000 people in the U.S . Symptoms vary from person to person ; some lose their speech but others do not . Most people with ALS become dependent on a wheelchair -- sometimes within six to eight months , but the time frame varies , Matland said . Clinical trials are in progress for a variety of treatments .
Hawkins is a rare case of someone who has survived day with ALS . ALS Association affects as many as 30,000 people worldwide and 350,000 people in the U.S . Symptoms vary from person to person ; some lose their speech but others do not . Clinical trials are in progress for a variety of treatments .