| Subject: Mom, ALS, & me... Walk to d'Feet ALS |
Author:
Cat9
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Date Posted: 13:05:43 08/09/03 Sat
Most of you remember that the late, great Michael Zaslow passed away from a disease called ALS (Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Many of you also know that my mother, Donna, was diagnosed with the non-genetic form of ALS herself - nearly two years ago now (90% of ALS patients have this form). There is still no cure for this fatal disease.
Mom now spends most of her time at home in her custom-made electric wheelchair or electric recliner. She can walk a few steps, with help. In the past year, the family has had to add a first-floor bedroom and handicap-accessible bathroom to the house for Mom and Dad (they live with my sister and her family), and purchase a used van with a wheelchair lift. Mom can still talk very well, feed herself with a special brace, and peck a bit on her computer. She needs assistance with everything from getting dressed to using the restroom. Just this past week, she began using a bi-pap machine to help her breathe better and increase her oxygen levels when she sleeps.
The local ALS Association chapter has been invaluable to us. They are our first line of support and information. They've been there for Mom every step of the way, from providing her first wheelchair, to evaluating the house to see what changes needed to be made to make it wheelchair-accessible. They visit often and call Mom frequently and help when they can and provide referrals when needed. There is an ALS clinic held quarterly that Mom attends, thanks to the ALS Association (her insurance would not cover it). There, she is evaluated by a neurologist and a team of specialists who track her condition - from physical & respiratory therapists to nutritionists.
Every year, the ALS Association holds a fundraiser across the country called "Walk to d'feet ALS". I participated last year, and will again this year on Sept 27th (in my area). Family and friends have formed a team, with Mom as captain, called "Fifer's Feets". If you'd like to sponsor me for the Walk, you can do so online by clicking here:
If you'd rather send a check, make it out to the ALS Association Arizona Chapter and send, along with a note that it is to sponsor Donna (or Catherine) in the "Fifer's Feets" team. Send it to:
The ALS Association Arizona Chapter
5040 E Shea Blvd Suite 151
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
If you are interested in forming a team to walk in your area, go to www.alsa.org and click on the "Walk to d'feet ALS" logo.
Here's some info from an ALSA brochure:
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ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks the motor neurons. The illness slowly paralyzes the muscles while leaving the mind unaffected. Adult men and women from all ehtnic backgrounds, age groups, and walks of life are vulnerable to ALS. ALS typically claims the lives of those affected within two to five years.
The ALS Association (ALSA) is the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA chapters exist to raise money for research, to provide services to persons with ALS (PALS) and their families, to raise awareness about ALS and to advocate for PALS and their caregivers.
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Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Mom and our family, and a special thanks to those of you who helped last year as well as those who can join us this year to support the fight against this horrible disease.
Cat9
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