Stealing from myself...

I posted this on the national ALSA website today, but wanted to add it to my blog.

Life is good. I agree with Lou Gehrig: focus on what we are lucky for, which in my case is the support and love of family and friends and the ability to function still in many aspects of my life. My symptoms started in 2012, ironically while in yoga class, when my large right leg muscles cramped terribly. I have cramping on and off since then. In 2013, I started limping, and my GP ordered MRIs. Finding nothing, I was sent to the neurologist. My husband's mother had been diagnosed with ALS in 2002 and died six months later, so we always asked the doctors about that possibility. No doctor is eager to diagnose ALS, however, and so it was not until Mayo Rochester said it was likely ALS that one did. We were prepared for that, and although hoped to be the 5% that see reversal or no progression, that was not the case. All limbs are affected to some degree, but I focus on what I can do still. I am working (and will, as long as I can talk and type!), and walk slowly with a cane and ankle support orthotic. We choose to see the positives and leave the negatives to deal with themselves. We are preparing, but in the meantime, life is to be lived and enjoyed. I value every sunrise and sunset and all forms of weather, and I appreciate my family and friends and the wonderful community of Havre, Montana. None of us are guaranteed anything, and I will just keep my goals of seeing my 13 year old daughter graduate high school in 2018, and see my 21 year old son find his own best path in life. Life is good.

It is the 75th anniversary year of Lou Gehrig's farewell speech to baseball.  In that time, only one drug has been approved by the FDA for use to simply delay by two months or so the progression of ALS.  We need to look at this disease from every aspect, and find some treatments and, dare I wish, a cure.