Swedish Defenseman Borje Salming Disease captivated the attention of the hockey fraternity after he was diagnosed with a fatal neurological illness, Lou Gehrig.
The legendary Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman Borje Salming played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brynäs IF, the Detroit Red Wings, Kiruna AIF, and AIK.
Borje, the premier defenceman of his era, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, becoming the pioneer European player to create an impact in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1996.
In his playing career, Borje Salming was selected to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Centennial All-Star Team and named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players in history in 2017.
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Following his older brother Stig Salming’s footsteps, Borje Salming began playing ice hockey and later became the first person of Sami descent to compete in a foremost North American Sports League.
Is Borje Salming Battling With Lou Gehrig’s Disease?
Hockey admirers were stunned after the legendary Defenceman announced he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in August 2022.
Lou Gehrig’s disease deteriorates the motor neurons that regulate voluntary movements in the brain and spinal cord, which results in respiratory failure, a loss of muscle control, and death.
In February 2022, he began to experience an unusual twitching motion in his muscles, which later forced him to exit an alum game prematurely in March.
On 10 August, the Toronto former defenseman publicly revealed his diagnosis via a statement shared through the Toronto Maple Leaf organization.
Sources claim Borje developed severe depression after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Despite his diagnosis, the defenseman made the annual trip to Toronto for the Maple Leafs Hall of Fame induction for the weekend game.
Borje Salming Illness: Is He Sick Now?
Yes, legendary former Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman Borje Salming was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, a fatal neurological disorder.
Although sources claim there is no cure for ALS. There are treatments for people suffering from the syndrome to help manage its symptoms, improving their quality of life.
The possible range of treatments for ALS patients is vast, including medications, speech therapy, heat or whirlpool therapy to relieve muscle cramping, nutritional counseling, and communication training to maintain verbal communication skills.
According to Johns Hopkins Research University, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a drug, Rilutek, in 1995, which does not cure but can extend survival for patients in the early stages of the disease.
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Borje Salming Health Update
Salming, the Hockey Hall of Fame, revealed that he recognizes that there is no cure for the disease but says treatments are available to slow the progression.
Since his diagnosis, the hockey man revealed his condition had worsened, where he had lost the ability to speak, had to rely on an iPad for communication, and had to use a feeding tube to get his meals.
According to Totontonews, the Swedish national newspaper Expressen first reported on Salming’s condition, noting that the defenseman now uses an iPad to speak with family members and friends.
After diagnosis, Video shared online of Salming shows the former Defenceman giving a thumbs up when informed that fans across the globe were offering their support.
Borje receives treatment in his native Sweden, where more than 800 patients living with ALS. The ALS Society of Canada estimates that 3,000 Canadians live with the disease.
Following retirement from his hockey career, the Defenceman moved into the sports underwear business with his brand Salming Underwear.
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