Stephen Hawking to appear in a commercial on motor neuron disease

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Paralysed scientist Stephen Hawking will appear in a commercial to promote world awareness of Lou Gehrig's disease, the Israeli association sponsoring the initiative said Wednesday.

It will mark the first time in the 40 years since he was diagnosed with the paralysing disease that Hawking will participate in such a campaign, said IsrALS, which is dedicated to finding a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Hawking, 65, will appear in two short clips to be filmed at Cambridge University, where he is Lucasian Professor of Mathematics -- a post once held by Sir Isaac Newton.

"The move marks the recognition of British scientist, Professor Stephen Hawking, a well known sufferer of ALS disease, of a real opportunity for a scientific...