I am a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. I was diagnosed with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, 3 years ago this coming November. I am a woman who loves and believes in Christ which is most important. I rely on a hope and courage beyond myself to live through the effects of ALS.
This disease has taken away my abilities to speak anything clearly from what is a simple need to deep desire to speak what is on my heart. I can no longer hold my grandchild, attempt to paint a picture, feed myself, even take care of my own needs or dry my own tears. No longer can I walk, jump, run, even stand on my own. ALS takes your ability to breathe and swallow. I now have a trach for ventilator at night and a peg tube.
What ALS gives you: revelations of who really loves you and who is a true friend; it has brought people into my life, associated with ALS, who love me—People from all over the world.
Thank you to all who give to ALS in the Heartland. When I had no funds for caregivers, they were the only ones who helped me when no other organization could.
