January 25, 2010

Person with ALS Lives Life to
Fullest On CBS Television Network Special

“Live for the Moment,” a one-hour special from Emmy Award winners Jeff Probst and Mark Burnett about making time for what is most important in life, was broadcast on Thursday, January 28 on the CBS Television Network and stars a person living with ALS and his family.

Host Jeff Probst with Roger Childs

The show reveals what inspired Roger Childs, who is active with The Association’s Rocky Mountain Chapter, to live life to the fullest after he was diagnosed with ALS three years ago. (To view a promotional spot from the show, click here.)

“The ALS Association is grateful to the entire Childs family, CBS and Jeff Probst for raising awareness about Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” said Jane H. Gilbert, president and CEO of The Association. “The network and everyone involved in the production of this show deserve a standing ovation for encouraging the public to support research into new treatments and a cure for Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”

Probst, the host of the show, takes Childs, 42, on a series of adventures and experiences, including meeting astronaut Buzz Aldrin, watching the launch of the space shuttle, flying in a fighter jet and helicopter skiing that create special life moments with his family and friends. He is accompanied on the show by his wife Julie and children Brandon and Connor.

It is hoped that after watching Child’s adventures many of the show’s viewers will re-evaluate their priorities in life.

“Mr. Childs is inspiring in how he is living his life to the fullest every day,” said Sharon Matland, the vice president of patient services for The Association.

Probst and Burnett are executive producers for Jeff Probst, Inc. and Mark Burnett Productions.

Roger and Jeff hit the slopes

“One of the first things Roger said when we met in person was, ‘You assume that you will outlive me because I have ALS, but you could cross the street today and get hit by a bus, and I hope if nothing else our time together will make you realize that nobody is guaranteed tomorrow, which is why you have to start living today.’  I knew in that moment we had picked the right guy for our show,” Probst said.

Childs shares his inspiring insights during the show on how he now lives his life differently and, in doing so, will possibly change the way others live, too.

“All of a sudden you see life from a completely different perspective,” said Childs during the show. “Live life with passion as if every single day is crucial. The clock is ticking, get moving.”

Roger Childs has established a Community of Hope donation page on The Association’s Web site for ALS research. To make a donation, click here.