NEW YORK -- Augie Nieto, founder of Life Fitness, released his book “Augie’s Quest: One Man’s Journey from Success to Significance” on Wednesday, making an emotional appearance on “The Today Show” with his wife, Lynne. Nieto was diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2005. After attempting suicide soon after the diagnosis, he has focused his life on raising funds to cure the disease. Proceeds from the book, which goes on sale Nov. 13, will go to find a cure.
So far, fundraising efforts, including the Augie’s Quest Bash at the last two International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) conferences, have helped Nieto raise $11.8 million.
“The Today Show” interview was conducted by Natalie Morales, a reporter and an occasional host of the show. She interviewed Nieto a year ago for a story on the show. During that interview, the two walked on the beach in California. During Wednesday’s interview, Morales noted the decline in Nieto’s physical abilities since that interview. Nieto was in a wheelchair during Wednesday’s interview and spoke with difficulty. Morales will be the host of the Beach Bash for Augie’s Quest, a fundraising event to be held March 7, 2008, at the IHRSA conference in San Diego.
To purchase a book or to see the interview from “The Today Show,” go to www.augiesquest.org.