By: G.Stryker, Twitter @SNStryker and Instagram @SNStryker
SteelerNation.com
Former Pro Bowl offense tackle of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tunch Ilkin, has stated that he has been diagnosed with ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. There is no cure. ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in a limb, or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease (referenced from the Mayo Clinic website).
Being no stranger to the microphone, as he serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers broadcast team, Ilkin was interviewed by his church, The Bible Chapel, who released a video. "In the early morning, my arms are tired and my hands are tired. But as the day goes on, I start getting more energetic. It is a challenge to me for the morning. It's a challenge for me because I'm on medication, and one of the medications makes me tired mid morning. But after lunch, I start picking up steam. There are times I get fatigued, but there are times that I get energetic."
"I want to fight this thing, with the help of Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord, my healer, with the help of God. You know, I'm not going to lie down and take this lightly,"
Currently Ilkin is relying on his faith by taking daily prayer walks, and cardio on his mini trampoline to keep him in shape and his spirits up. Steeler Nation can only pray for his continued health to last as long as possible.
The full interview is in the video below:
