Bryan Randall dead: Sandra Bullock's longtime partner loses battle with ALS; here's a look at what the disease is

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Bryan Randall shared the sad news of his passing at the age of 57 on August 5. Bryan had been valiantly battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for the past three years, a struggle he chose to keep private. His family's statement expressed gratitude for the medical professionals who supported them throughout this difficult journey, acknowledging the unwavering dedication of doctors and nurses who provided compassionate care. Bryan Randall's journey with ALS began several years ago, but he remained steadfast in his decision to maintain a low profile. The model-turned-photographer first caught the public's attention when he was commissioned to capture the special moments of Sandra Bullock's son Louis' birthday party in 2015. What began as a professional collaboration soon blossomed into a deep and loving relationship, with Bullock and Randall making their official public debut at the premiere of «Our Brand Is Crisis» in Los Angeles in October of the same year. Together, Sandra Bullock and Bryan Randall became parents to a blended family of three children. Alongside Bullock's adopted children Louis Bardo and Laila, the couple embraced Bryan's daughter from a previous relationship, creating a strong and loving household.

ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with the condition in the 1930s. In ALS, the motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movements gradually degenerate and die. This leads to a loss of muscle control and eventually paralysis. As the disease progresses, individuals with