'ER' Wheelchair Used by Actor James Woods Finds New Home in Midwest After The ALS Association's Online Auction.

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. -- A 50-year-old Nebraska woman with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is the proud owner of the wheelchair actor James Woods used when he played a physician with ALS on an episode of NBC's "ER" titled "Body and Soul."

"I hope the wheelchair will be comfortable and I am excited about receiving it," said Mary Finke, diagnosed in 2004 with what is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. The once avid snow skier, scuba diver and concertgoer made the highest bid for the state-of-the-art C500 Corpus model wheelchair during The ALS Association's online auction. The proceeds have been donated to The Association. "After researching the wheelchair online, I knew it would be a good one for me," she said.

The seat cushion of the front-wheel drive wheelchair, which also features a hands-free eye communications system, was signed by Woods and other members of the cast.

"I did watch the episode of `ER' and thought that James Woods did an excellent job of portraying someone with ALS," said lifetime Lincoln resident Finke.

The wheelchair was donated by its manufacturer Permobil and the hands-free eye communications system was donated by Eye Response Technologies.

"How appropriate it is that Mrs. Finke purchased the chair for her own personal use," said Permobil marketing manager Barry Steelman. "This chair was designed to provide comfort and reliability and to bring back a quality of life once enjoyed to the wheelchair user."

The wheelchair and cushion will be presented to Finke at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, in Lincoln, Neb., at the Walk to D'Feet ALS[R] being held by the Keith Worthington Chapter of The ALS Association. The Walk is The Association's signature fundraising event, held in communities across the nation.

"Mary Finke's generosity, for which we are very grateful, will aid research and programs for people living with Lou Gehrig's disease," said Gary A. Leo, president and CEO of The Association. "This was a tremendous gesture on her part and we are hopeful the wheelchair will improve her quality of life."

The ALS Association is the nation's only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS.