My late husband Mike had ALS for over 17 years. He was diagnosed with ALS May 1986-Sept. 2003. I thank God we had the Military/VA to help us. Mike lived 11-1/2 years on ventilator/life support mainly at home. I was his 24/7 caregiver. MDA would not help us at all. We had two children at home 4 and 10 when Mike is diagnosed