Former NFL player and WCW wrestler Steve “Mongo” McMichael revealed in a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune that he is currently battling from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
McMichael stated that he originally thought that he was dealing with a neck or spine-related issue but it was first suggested that it could be ALS instead during a visit to a neurosurgeon at the May Clinic in Minnesota in September of 2020. McMichael stated that doctors at the Rush University Medical Center later confirmed that he was suffering from ALS. Another neurologist at the UIC Medical Center stated this past February that McMichael’s disease likely began forming around 36 months ago.
The Chicago Tribune reported that “the recent progression of degeneration through McMichael’s limbs has been jarring. First his right arm went dead, then the left. Then his left leg began to weaken significantly. Now his right leg is following close behind.” It was also reported that McMichael has lost around 50-60 pounds as a result of his ALS.
McMichael stated that the reason why he decided to go public with his diagnosis is due to him wanting people to know why they would no longer be seeing him around in public.
A GoFundMe fundraiser was recently launched by friends of McMichael to help financially support McMichael’s family for his medical costs and the search for a new handicap-accessible home.