Chagrin Falls best friends support each other through ALS battle

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio - When Barry Winovich was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, back in 2006, instead of feeling sorry for himself, he decided to fight back.

"You get a diagnosis with ALS, you've got 2-5 years to live," said best friend Treg Charlton. "Barry's beat the odds and we're in year six and he's hanging in there as best he can."

After being diagnosed, Barry founded the Bright Side of the Road Foundation, an organization dedicated to ALS research, education and cure.

Barry and Treg have been best friends since 8th grade. They graduated together from both Chagrin Falls High School and Ohio State University. Their families have taken vacations together.

Two years ago, while living in Kansas City, Treg started getting cramps in his hand and a twitch in his arm. Four months later he was also diagnosed with ALS.

"You'll see six months battles, eight month battles and for me to be walking and talking here a year later, I am very fortunate," said Charlton.

Charlton and his family moved back to Ohio and ironically found a home on the same street as Winovich. Treg and Barry are now battling their condition together. They even were at Fenway Park in Boston on Thursday to throw out the first pitch to help raise money for ALS. They helped raise $4.3 million as co-chairmen of the CVS Pharmacy "Researching A Cure" campaign.

Barry's speech is limited and he operates his computer with his forehead and fingers. Treg has gained an inner strength thanks to his best friend.

"Every time I walk down the street to pop-in on Barry, I know I am witnessing my own future," said Treg. "He's completely immobile at this point but at the same time, the guy always has a smile on his face and how can you not be motivated by that? I walk away energized after seeing him."

For more information on the Bright Side of the Road foundation click here brightsideoftheroad.org/