The Henry Unger family began this forum to document ongoing research on ALS, and to link ALS clinicians and researchers worldwide. Sponsored by the World Federation of Neurology, it contains scientific information that has been reviewed by specialists. It includes a list of clinical trials and ALS clinics worldwide; reviews of the current literature; and links to other sites offering quality ALS information.
The Foundation was created by and is named for Henry M. Unger, inventor and entrepreneur, who was diagnosed with ALS in April, 1996. He died Nov. 12, 1996, from complications of ALS while on a cruise in the Middle East with his wife, Barbara.
Henry Unger was the founder of Unger Enterprises, Inc., the world's leading window cleaning products manufacturing and marketing company. A self-made man known to many as "Mr. Window Cleaner," he built a global business with his own hands, beginning with a bucket and squeegee in the 1950s. On a tourist trip to Europe a decade later, he noticed workers using primitive and time-consuming cleaning tools and saw an opportunity to introduce modern U.S. equipment and techniques to Europe. He also met his wife-to-be, Barbara, who became his business partner and life companion.
In the early years of Unger Enterprises, Barbara and Henry often loaded up an old Volkswagon with squeegees, brushes, and poles and traveled to trade shows and distributors. Soon, Henry was making innovations, inventing better tools and finding new techniques to make window cleaning safer and more efficient. He was the first to design an integrated window cleaning system.
Although he earned 20 patents for his innovative designs, Henry Unger preferred to describe himself as a "problem solver." Even play sparked his imagination: an avid golfer, he built an extension pole with a special cup to scoop lost golf balls out of water traps.
That drive and energy was challenged by ALS. With difficulty, he accepted his gradual loss of control, and acknowledged he could not solve this last problem within his lifetime. But he did not give up. He started support groups, contacted leading researchers in ALS, and founded this website with a goal of helping others find the causes and cure for ALS. This work is supported by his widow, Barbara, and his children: Mark, Dane, Jan, and Teresa.
We welcome your comments on this project. Please contact the Website Management Committee.
If you wish to donate to this project, please contact the Chairman of the WFN Research Group on Motor Neuron Diseases, Michael Swash, at e-mail: mswash@btinternet.com.
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