Former Illinois Comptroller and longtime state Sen. Dawn Clark Netsch says she's suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease.
The disease, also known as ALS, is a fatal degenerative disorder that weakens the nerves and makes it difficult to walk, swallow and speak.
Netsch said the diagnosis is "a tough one." She says she's talking about her disease because it might get more people thinking about ALS.
Although she sometimes needs assistance to walk, Netsch is continuing her work on two state ethics commissions.
The Illinois Democrat was elected state comptroller in 1990. She helped rewrite the Illinois Constitution in 1970 and shortly after was elected to the state senate, where she served for 18 years.
In 1994, Netsch ran unsuccessfully for Illinois governor.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:50 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:50:09 GMT
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another heart-wrenching tragedy.
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another "heart-wrenching" tragedy -- displaced pets.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Saturday, May 25 2013 8:20 PM EDT2013-05-26 00:20:26 GMT
A northwest suburban Elgin woman faces felony charges for promoting the prostitution of a 17-year-old girl, following a three-month undercover investigation conducted by Aurora police.
A northwest suburban Elgin woman faces felony charges for promoting the prostitution of a 17-year-old girl, following a three-month undercover investigation conducted by Aurora police.
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:40 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:40:54 GMT
As it waits to hear if it'll receive a $7 million bailout to stay open, Roseland Community Hospital laid off almost 70 employees, and other hospital employees will take a pay cut.
As it waits to hear if it'll receive a $7 million bailout to stay open, Roseland Community Hospital laid off almost 70 employees, and other hospital employees will take a pay cut.
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:27 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:27:07 GMT
Portage Theater owner Eddie Carranza said the doors to the historic movie palace will stay closed for several months, or at least until he can transfer a license to a new operator.
Portage Theater owner Eddie Carranza said the doors to the historic movie palace will stay closed for several months, or at least until he can transfer a license to a new operator.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:04 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:04:24 GMT
City residents sick of coupons piling up on their front doorsteps filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month urging the Chicago Tribune and Valassis Communications to stop distributing the mailings.
City residents sick of coupons piling up on their front doorsteps filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month urging the Chicago Tribune and Valassis Communications to stop distributing the mailings on their properties.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:50 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:50:09 GMT
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another heart-wrenching tragedy.
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another "heart-wrenching" tragedy -- displaced pets.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:18:44 GMT
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of an Aurora attorney who died of medical complications following a 2012 single-engine plane crash in Florida.
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of an Aurora attorney who died of medical complications following a 2012 single-engine plane crash in Florida.
