Augie Nieto

Augie Nieto (born Augustine L. Nieto II in 1958) is the founder and retired chief executive of Life Fitness. In March 2005, Augie was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He is noted for fighting against ALS by creating "Augie's Quest", which he started by teaming with the Muscular Dystrophy Association after his diagnosis. "Augie's Quest" has raised over $15 million dollars in funds for research into the disease.

Battle with ALS

In March 2005, Augie was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Despite the limitations of the disease, Augie continues to lead an active life. Drawing strength from his family, friends and a flood of supportive e-mails, Augie maintains a positive attitude. After diagnosis, he endured an initial bout of despair. He quickly rebounded though and teamed with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and created "Augie's Quest" with the sole purpose of finding a cure for ALS. The team he assembled to fight the disease and find a cure hold to one mission: Identify the genetic basis of the disease in order to seek a treatment.

In addition to numerous honors, Nieto was given the President's Award by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in 2008. Then-NAHJ President Rafael Olmeda cited Nieto as someone who, without fanfare, put a "Latino face on an American story."

In 2009, John Ondrasik, Five for Fighting, wrote a song in Nieto's honor to help raise funds for Augie's Quest. As well, Augie was appointed to the board of directors of DynaVox.

External links

• Augie Nieto, Wall Street Journal article on life with additional information about ALS
• Augie's Quest