Zac Brown Band musician John Driskell Hopkins on Friday said that he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

“Over the past several years, I’ve noticed some balance issues and some stiffness in my hands. After careful analysis by some of the country’s top neurologists, I have been diagnosed with ALS. Because my symptoms have been slow progressing from the start, we believe they will continue to be slow progressing going forward. God willing, I plan to be rocking with these amazing people for many years to come,” the 51-year-old said in a short message to fans.

Also Read: Monkeypox outbreak: 5 things to know about the disease

Hopkins and his bandmates urged their fans to donate to ALS research by texting “HOP” to 345-345.

Also Read: What is tomato flu and its symptoms?

The musician and his family have set up Hop on a Cure, a foundation supporting ALS research.

“The technology and research surrounding ALS research has been advancing, but we still don’t have a cure. Thanks so much for your prayers and support in helping us cure ALS,” his bandmate Zac Brown said in the video.

Also Read: Meningococcal disease explained: Why gay, bisexual men need to be careful

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive nervous system disease that weakens the muscles, impacting physical mobility. The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually reducing functioning in the muscles. 

Also Read: Raw dog food contains drug-resistant bacteria, harmful to humans: Study

Motor neurons run throughout the body, from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles. In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, the motor neurons gradually degenerate and eventually die, which results in the brain losing the ability to initiate and govern muscular action. Some people diagnosed with the diease may lose their capacity to speak, eat, move, and breathe as their voluntary muscular function deteriorates.