Steeler's former right tackle announced Thursday he has been diagnosed with ALS. It was announced by The Bible Chapel, a non-denominational church in Pittsburgh where Ilkin is in the Pastor Men’s Ministry. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in the wasting away of muscle and loss of movement. The current Steelers radio broadcaster said he is not going to lay down and take this diagnosis lightly. He is working out four days a week and walk's an hour every morning.
“I was diagnosed with ALS from UPMC Presby," Ilkin said. "The doctor said to go to Cleveland Clinic to confirm it. So, I have ALS. I want to fight this thing, I’m not going to lay down and take this lightly. I’m working out four days a week, I’m walking my prayer walk an hour every morning and I’m jumping on my mini-trampoline a half-hour every day.”
This is tough news to hear. We enjoy listening to him on the Steelers Nation Radio. Tunch bleeds Black and Gold and really loves what he does off of the field. Illkin was selected in the sixth round of the 1980 NFL Draft with the Steelers. He played 12 years with the team and never left since. Our Prayers go out to Tunch Illkin and his family. Kick ALS's Ass!
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