I may not click like on every ALS Ice Bucket challenge, but they have brightened my spirit over the past couple of weeks. As some of my friends and family know, my father had ALS. Him having this disease and dying as a result of it is something that has impacted my entire family. I remember reading about it in a class back in high school but I never thought of it again. With his diagnosis, I made myself more familiar and I did everything in my power to help provide for him. I saw first hand what this disease did to a once able bodied, strong man. It is not a thing that I would wish on anybody. In short, just imagine a skeleton with only the layer of skin that is visible to the eye breathing with a ventilator. No movement of the extremities, neck, etc. The cause is unknown, the symptoms are sporadic, and it can be hereditary. In addition, it is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms resemble those of other diseases. I want to thank everyone who has participated in the challenges, donations, or liked someone elses. I can tell that the awareness is spreading fast about how serious a cure and a preventative is for this disease. To every family that has experienced a death as a result I send my condolences. To the people that are battling ALS at this very moment I send my prayers and blessings to you and your family. If you are a caregiver of someone with ALS, then please stay strong, be determined, be the best caregiver that you can, and love and console your family member while theyre still here. Also continue to do the ALS surveys, counselings, and pray for a cure! ~Portia
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 01:34:05 +0000
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