In May of 2007, my dad was diagnosed with Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This is a progressive, fatal disease that eventually atrophies all voluntary muscles, leaving mental functioning intact but the body completely paralyzed. As the saying goes within the ALS community, “Welcome to the club that nobody wants to join!” In October 2007 we all moved in together, into my huge childhood home in the country, so that we can care for him as needed.
My personal battle cry as we learn to live with the effects of this disease:
“It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so, my friends. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God’s. He begs you to leave the future to Him, and mind the present.” (emphasis mine)
George MacDonald (1824-1905)
Brainhell, a blog by a man with ALS, from his very first symptoms, through diagnosis and different treatments, to present-day.
Randy’s ALS Manual, great resource for the newly diagnosed
The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS Division
Daily Activities Made Easier for People With ALS, great little manual, link is to a .pdf
Another Manual on Living With ALS
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