Father Diagnosed With ALS Fulfills Dream Of Walking On Daughter's Wedding Day

CORONA DEL MAR (CBSLA.com) — It's a moment that every father looks forward to: walking his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

What could be considered such a simple dream to many men quickly spiraled out of reach for one man in Corona del Mar.

CBS2's Lisa Sigell spoke with Augie Nieto, who was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, shortly before his daughter became engaged.

» To learn more about Augie's foundations visit ALS Therapy Development Institute and Augie's Quest.

Nieto, who was diagnosed at 47, was left with his mind intact but his body powerless.

The disease first paralyzed him, then took away his ability to speak, breathe and eat on his own.

"I didn't want to be a burden," Nieto said. "I tried to take my own life."

His suicide attempt failed.

Nieto has since decided to fight against his disease through the motivation of walking his daughter, Lindsay Williams, down the aisle on her wedding day.

As he worked to become stronger, Nieto had a gym installed in his home. He established a routine for himself three days a week for two and a half hours each day.

"I always knew I would walk her down the aisle," Nieto added. "I couldn't think about that not happening."

It took months of hard work, but Nieto was able to fulfill his promise to Williams.

On a summer day, he accomplished what most believed was impossible.

"Walking Lindsay down the aisle and being able to look her in the eye was a huge moment for me," Nieto said. "Lindsay made me feel loved, and no matter what I did, it would be OK."

"That filled my heart," Williams added. "Each step that we took together was really meaningful. I went barefoot, just so I would be mindful of what we were doing together. I remember everything."

Since his diagnosis, Nieto has raised more than $100 million to fund research to find a cure.

Augie is not just a hero to his daughter, Lindsay, but also to ALS patients all over the world. Since his diagnosis, he has raised more than $100 million to fund research to find a cure.

» To learn more about Augie's foundations visit ALS Therapy Development Institute and Augie's Quest.

(Photo/Video Credit: Dennis Csillag, Brian Hawkins, Project Walk)