Francis Tsai concept artist/illustrator has ALS?

[Pilgrim1099]

Hello CA,

I was on Facebook earlier this morning and a friend shared a post to me about Francis Tsai who has been recently diagnosed with ALS. When I checked a wiki page of him, there was no update nor mention of his condition. Could anyone confirm if his ALS condition is true? His work has been incredible over the years and he still continues to create. Much respect!

Thanks!

-A

[Aly Fell]

This is a public message from Francis, so I'm sure it's OK to repost:

A MESSAGE FROM FRANCIS:

As some of you know, I was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) back in 2010. This is a fatal degenerative nerve disease with no known cause or cure. It affects people in different ways but typically ends in total paralysis and death due to respiratory failure, unless you undergo some invasive body modification procedures to help prevent that. Being an illustrator/concept artist, naturally it took my arms and hands first. I haven't held a pencil since early 2011. Bummer, but I discovered I could use an iPhone with my toes. I figured out how to use the Brushes app and made a handful of paintings. My toes have since lost the dexterity for that, so I’ve started using eye-gaze controlled technology to type and hopefully paint.

To help generate some income while I wait for science to get its stuff together, my awesome sister Marice has put together an online shop featuring some of my artwork. Please consider picking up some cool Tsai swag and sharing this post!

The store is located at: http://francistsaistore.storenvy.com/

Thanks,
Francis

[Star Eater]

Shits not right.



Regarding the link stuff looks great and its priced well. Would make cool Christmas gifts too.

[Black Spot]

That's a fucking bummer for an artist or anyone. Science better get a move on.

[Pilgrim1099]

Aly,

That's exactly the public announcement I saw. So it is true, then. That's a shame and no one should ever experience this. I hope Francis continues to keep up the fight and create more.

[Rodneydollah]

It is unfortunately true
Guy helped me help myself before it was the in thing to be a concept artist....

[blogmatix]

That's a fucking bummer for an artist or anyone. Science better get a move on.

Alas, money that might have been spent on science gets spent on wars and bibles.

[Maidith]

God, I hadn't heard about this before. This shit is so wrong.

[Kuroyue]

I really tried to think of this as a hopeful message about human perseverance, but...

[blogmatix]

God, I hadn't heard about this before. This shit is so wrong.

It is indeed. ALS is something I would not wish upon my worst enemies.