I well remember the grief and horror when our neighbor’s son was diagnosed with ALS. He was a 40-something year old father of two tween boys, seemingly in the prime of his life, when he received the diagnosis. I felt at a loss for what I could do to help, as our neighbors took on more and more of the care for him and his young family. As the disease progressed, they moved the family closer, my neighbor’s role went from grandpa to father-figure. It was heartbreaking.
I won’t pretend and tell you I knew what to say. I listened a lot, offered to help out driving the kids and running errands etc. and did plenty of praying but of course nothing seemed like enough.
There’s also that part of me that shudders when I think of being in those shoes and wonders how we/our kids would cope in the event we were faced with terminal disease.
What is ALS?
Also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gherig’s Disease, ALS causes motor neurons in the body to deteriorate, causing muscle weakness and ultimately paralysis. Most people with ALS live just 2-5 years from the onset of the first symptoms. Currently there is no treatment or cure, but that doesn’t mean there is no hope. Learn more about ALS and how you can help end it here.
The ALS Therapy Development Institute is dedicated to finding a cure for ALS. Through cutting edge science, they’ve identified AT-1501, which is a promising treatment for ALS. But they need our help. Make a donation here to help fund the cure for ALS. In addition please help spread the word to your family, friends and social media connections using this link and #whatwouldyougive and #endALS.
Has ALS touched your life? How do you support someone battling a terminal disease?
I lost a friend years ago to it… such a devastating disease… 🙁 He was in his 40’s too when diagnosed as well as lost the battle.
Such a terrible disease! I hope this breakthrough is the magic bullet they need.
These kinds of diseases are so scary how they just can come on out of nowhere.
I don’t know anyone who has suffered ALS but it is just awful. Your are right, you can never do enough!
Thank you Marcia. I have now donated to this organization. ALS has killed two people in my life and I very much want there to be a cure for this awful disease. The ice bucket challenge really did raise a lot of money and opened avenues to promising research, let’s help keep the momentum going.
The father of one of my dearest friends died from ALS – he was very special to me growing up and it was just awful how quickly it took him.
I had a friend whose dad had ALS. Such a terrible disease! Thanks for help spreading the word!
Wonderful cause to support Marcia.