A west Cherokee County man wants to end his life so he might be able to improve the life of others.

Gary Phebus, 62, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, in 2008.

"I didn't want to believe it," he said about his diagnosis. "I didn't know the ramifications except that Lou Gehrig had died from it. I thought, 'How come me? How come I got it?' You think that happens to other people."

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure or treatment that halts or reverses the disease.

Phebus started researching online to learn about organ donation. He learned about the long wait people endure for an organ transplant and came up with his idea.

He decided to donate his organs, but he wants to do it now, which would kill him.

"I have a death sentence. It is just a matter of time," he said. "I know people are waiting on organs. If I am going to die, why not - while my organs are still viable - go ahead and save five to 10 people."

Phebus talked it over with his wife, Patti, and his four children. He said they all are supportive of the idea.

"I feel it is the right thing to do. There is a lack of organs. I don't feel like it is suicide," he said. "I am trying to give other people a chance."

But there is a major roadblock for Phebus.

Federal law requires an individual pass away from brain death or cardiac death before becoming an organ donor, said Kaysha Cranon, public affairs coordinator for LifeLink of Georgia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant.

"I think it is wonderful that he wants to donate his organs," she added, noting there are more than 108,000 people on the national waiting list for an organ transplant.

In Georgia alone, there are more than 3,000 people waiting for an organ transplant.

Phebus said he wants to see a law passed that would allow someone in his position to donate organs while still alive.

State Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Hickory Flat) said he doesn't think such a law could gain support.

"It is very complicated," he said. "Something like that is certainly not a natural death. I really doubt if the General Assembly would consider something like that."

State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) said he would be willing to hear more about the case, but noted his opposition to physician-assisted suicide may prevent him from lending his support.

"In a way, it would be doctor-assisted suicide," he said. "If it, in fact, involves physician-assisted suicide, I could not support it."

Phebus said he not only wants to give the organs while they're viable, but also avoid years of medical bills and insurance claims.

"I'm dead anyway," he said. "I want to live, but I don't see any way out."