Toronto Maple Leafs legend and trailblazer Borje Salming revealed Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The 71-year-old elaborated on his diagnosis in a statement issued through the team:
I have received news that has shaken my family and me. The signs that indicated that something was wrong in my body turned out to be the disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
In an instant, everything changed. I do not know how the days ahead will be, but I understand that there will be challenges greater than anything I have ever faced. I also recognize that there is no cure but there are numerous worldwide trials going on and there will be a cure one day. In the meantime, there are treatments available to slow the progression and my family and I will remain positive.