Augie’s Quest: One Man’s Journey from Success to Significance

The inspiring tale of a fitness pioneer whose ALS diagnosis leads him to make a new and revolutionary develop for private medical research and development. What happens to “orphan” diseases that aren’t huge enough profit centers for the pharmaceutical industry or get caught in the web of government funding and academic research? Augie Nieto found out in the spring of 2005: At forty-seven years ancient he was diagnosed with ALS. Devastated, Augie struggled with depression and attempted suicide. When he awoke from a coma, with friends and family surrounding him, his sense of faith and mission were renewed. Quick-forward one year: Augie and his wife, Lynne, were profiled as “Real Heroes” on the Today show. Their determination to beat the disease had already led to major overhauls in the way ALS research was conducted. In partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Augie had set up a foundation and lab to coordinate and oversee ALS research and testing across the globe. By centralizing operations and championing an entrepreneurial approach to medical research, Augie and his team accomplished remarkable consequences in less than two years. Part inspiration, part business innovation, Augie’s Quest illustrates how one person can make a meaningful difference.