this is what we were all hoping against. it's a dreadful disease and the thing your family should do is study up on it so you can deal with changes as they come. there is not as much research of als because there aren't enough patients to earn large grants, although there certainly is study happening all the time and maybe most of the $ comes from Jerry Lewis' organization. My dear Joe's wife had it and he took care of her at home. She, too was given 3 to 5 years and she lived for all of the five. my heart goes out to all of you. treat her special.