Actor James Woods to Play ALS Patient on NBC'S 'ER'; The ALS Association Served as Technical Consultant.

The ALS Association:

WHAT:         Actor James Woods stars as a college professor battling
              ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly referred
              to as Lou Gehrig's disease, on NBC's "ER." The episode,
              titled "Body and Soul," is devoted to Woods' character,
              Dr. Nate Lennox. The ALS Association helped Woods
              prepare for the role.

WHEN:         Thursday, February 2 (Check local listings.)

WHERE:        NBC Network

RESOURCE:     For a full understanding of what ALS is, what living
              with ALS is like, the prospects for a cure and new
              treatments under study, the media is encouraged to
              contact The ALS Association, the only national
              not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated
              solely to the fight against ALS. In America, 30,000
              people are afflicted with this progressive
              neurodegenerative disease annually. Read more about ALS
              and about Woods' unique preparation for this role at
              www.alsa.org.