Stephen Hawking, the renowned theoretical physicist who defied a decades-long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), died on March 14, 2018, at his home in Cambridge, United Kingdom, at the age of 76. His passing marked the complete of a brilliant scientific career and a remarkable personal journey, having outlived a diagnosis that initially gave him only two years to live.
Hawking was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 1963, at the age of 21, while studying at Oxford University. The neurodegenerative disease progressively attacks motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and respiratory failure. Doctors initially predicted he would not survive beyond his mid-twenties, according to reports at the time of his death.
Despite the rapid progression of the disease, which eventually left him almost completely paralyzed and robbed him of his ability to speak without assistance, Hawking continued his groundbreaking work in cosmology, black holes, and theoretical physics. He utilized a computerized voice synthesizer to communicate, dictating his research, writing books, and delivering lectures around the world. The system became a defining feature of his public persona.
Dr. Mel Barry of the UK’s Association for Neuronal Diseases described Hawking’s longevity with ALS as “very unusual, quite unusual,” noting that most patients diagnosed with the disease typically survive between one and five years. The BBC reported this assessment following Hawking’s death. The reasons for Hawking’s exceptional survival remain a subject of scientific interest, with some experts suggesting he may have had a slower-progressing form of the disease.
According to the Fundación Mencia, Hawking’s case highlighted the variability of ALS, with different types affecting different parts of the nervous system. The organization explained that the disease can manifest as spinal ALS, initially impacting limbs, or bulbar ALS, which first affects the respiratory system. Hawking’s condition initially affected his spinal cord, potentially contributing to his extended lifespan.
Hawking’s impact extended beyond the scientific community. He became a global icon, appearing in popular culture, including episodes of “The Simpsons” and “The Big Bang Theory.” The 2014 biographical film, “The Theory of Everything,” starring Eddie Redmayne, brought his life story to a wider audience, earning Redmayne an Academy Award for his portrayal of the physicist.
Throughout his life, Hawking reflected on his condition and its impact on his perspective. He once stated, “Although there was a cloud over my future, I found, to my surprise, that I enjoyed life in the present more than I had ever done before.” This sentiment, as reported by various news outlets, underscored his ability to find joy and purpose despite the challenges he faced.
Hawking authored several popular science books, including “A Brief History of Time,” “The Universe in a Nutshell,” and “Brief Answers to the Big Questions,” making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad readership. His work continued to inspire generations of scientists and thinkers.