The mannequins are wearing t-shirts bearing the name of a sufferer of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease. The display is part of an ALS Association campaign designed to show how the disease, which causes its victims to become completely paralyzed, steals loved ones away piece by piece.

Steve Franks knows this first hand. He was diagnosed in 2003 and calls himself lucky because most victims die within five years of their diagnosis.

"My progression is very slow," said Franks. "The doctors don't know why. But it is, and I'm very thankful for that."

Franks can no longer work, and sometimes he stumbles and falls. But the father of twin daughters who are in college says he doesn't focus on what he can't do.

"It's sit around and wait to die or go on with your life as best you can," said Franks.

The former golf course superintendent chose the latter. The 50 year old drives the trailer that carries the mannequins around the state.

"We need as many people as we can to know about this disease and how devastating and cruel it is."

The mannequins will be on displayThursday until 5:00 pm at the Maitland Forum on 2600 Lake Lucien Drive.