Career
He is noted for fighting against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ) by creating "Augie"s Quest", which he started by teaming with the Muscular Dystrophy Association after his diagnosis. "Augie"s Quest" has raised over $45 million in funds for research into the disease. In March 2005, Nieto was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig"s disease.
Despite the limitations of the disease, Nieto continues to lead an active life.
Drawing strength from his family, friends and a flood of supportive e-mails, he maintains a positive attitude. After diagnosis, he endured an initial bout of despair.
He quickly rebounded though and teamed with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and created "Augie"s Quest" with the sole purpose of finding a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis . The team he assembled to fight the disease and find a cure hold to one mission: Identify the genetic basis of the disease in order to seek a treatment. Then-NAHJ President Rafael Olmeda cited Nieto as someone who, without fanfare, put a "Latino face on an American story."
As well, Nieto was appointed to the board of directors of DynaVox.
In 2009, Five for Fighting wrote a song in Nieto"s honor on his album Slice to help raise funds for Augie"s Quest.
