John Goodson practiced medicine for almost 50 years at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. As a primary care physician, he saw thousands of patients and ailments, so when he struggled to raise the front of his foot in 2021, he felt a knowing dread.
“As a physician, I had made the diagnosis of a patient with ALS and developed a close relationship and followed this patient right through to his death at home,” said Goodson. “So I was very aware of ALS and its time course, its manifestations, its impact.”
advertisement
Three years later, Goodson’s amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms are quite advanced. He has lost much of his leg and arm mobility, barely speaks above a whisper, and struggles to eat without an aide. “There are times when I have to be fed — I don’t like that. That is not who I am,” he said.
STAT+ Exclusive Story
Already have an account? Log in
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
Monthly
$39
Totals $468 per year
$39/month Get StartedTotals $468 per year
Starter
$30
for 3 months, then $39/month
$30 for 3 months Get StartedThen $39/month
Annual
$399
Save 15%
$399/year Get StartedSave 15%
11+ Users
Custom
Savings start at 25%!
Request A Quote Request A QuoteSavings start at 25%!
2-10 Users
$300
Annually per user
$300/year Get Started$300 Annually per user
View All Plans
Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.
Subscribe Log In
Previous article：
Readout Newsletter: Bluebird, CVS, Contineum
Next article： BioMarin wins approval for gene therapy to treat hemophilia A
Next article： BioMarin wins approval for gene therapy to treat hemophilia A
