They don’t plan to pursue further legal action so they may put their money toward Joe’s care and prolong his life. Advocates like Kristen and Heyl argue that the current waiting period is too long, as ALS patients’ average life expectancy after diagnosis is only two to five years. Bellina said he hopes the documentary raises awareness for the insurance battles ALS patients face, but also for the lack of research dollars to develop a new drug. “You gotta hope that someday the money all goes somewhere and means something— and they find a cure for this, because it’s a brutal disease,” Joe said. Also, every patient’s disease progresses differently, which makes coming up with a one-size-fits-all model for care impossible, Heyl said.

Source: Fox News May 25, 2016 10:14 UTC