Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is perhaps better known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

There is no cure for the disease, but cutting-edge research and better resources are providing hope to those battling it.

Paul Meberg has been battling ALS for over a year.

Washing your hands is a task many people take for granted, however, for Meberg, it can be a real challenge.

ALS is a disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which control muscles throughout the body.

Meberg was diagnosed with the condition over a year ago, right before he was ready to retire.

"I had some weakness in my right arm," Meberg said. "I couldn't get my hand up to wash my hair well in the shower, and I said, 'something's wrong.' So, I went to the doctor."

Meberg had tests and blood work done. Then, the results came back.

"He said, 'You've got ALS. Do you have any questions?' I said, 'Yeah, but I can think of what they are now.’"

Meberg had many questions. Soon, his condition worsened.

"I started with weakness in my right arm, and I just couldn't get it up over my head. Well now, then it was my right. My left arm was still fine. And then I became more left-handed. I was eating with my left hand as time went by. My right arm got weaker and weaker."

He has had to adjust to many changes to his lifestyle, but is thankful to his wife for helping him along the way.

"I could get myself dressed by myself until about two, three months ago," Meberg said. "Now, Barbara helps me with that. The way I dress is different now. I need to be with my bride. And that's always been a good thing. It's just as sort of a little bit of a different situation at this point."

According to the state Department of Health, ALS most commonly afflicts people between the ages of 40 and 70. At least 30,000 people in the U.S. are living with ALS.

Meberg is grateful for the support of his family and friends, and he says he’s not losing hope.

"There's more research going on. There's more. There's more people doing, looking into it and trying to figure out just what it is. Hopefully, some of those can come out as a major breakthrough and do something," Meberg said.