You are very special to my family and me. We appreciate your love, support, hope, prayers, laughter and words of encouragement more than you’ll ever know.
This journey started right after I received a promotion at work in August/September, 2020, with odd twitching in my right arm. It was (is) like an eye twitch x100, on my whole arm - wild! Next came a decline in handwriting, dropping things and general weakness in October/November (despite being freakishly strong!). I was thrilled with my new role at work because I knew I was making a difference, but I also knew something was physically “off”. In November, I was still running 30+ miles/week, and 10 miles on Sundays, but in December I felt distinct weakness in my right leg. Because there was no real pain, I knew something wasn’t right.
I went to my PCP late December, then neurologist, then ortho surgeon who told me while I had two bulging discs, I needed to go back to a neurologist. This was when I asked “if this was your wife, daughter, mother, who exactly would you see next?” His answer - Dr. V. After a myriad of tests and bloodwork, Dr. Vandersluis gave the devastating diagnosis of ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease, on 3/25/21, told me I must get a second opinion and recommended Dr. Neel, the Director of the University of Cincinnati ALS Clinic (who knew there was such a thing?! But thank God there is).
You already know the outcome of that second opinion because you’re reading this site. A few things - First, Dr. Neel said I am small but mighty! Second, I am determined! Determined to LIVE with ALS and not suffer! Lastly, you make a difference. Your love, laughter, hope, prayers and encouragement make a difference more than you’ll ever know. Because of you, my family and I feel incredibly blessed and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for taking my hand and walking along side me through this, as well as offering support to Tim and my family. All we need is hope, and for that we have each other. Now, let’s kick ALS in the rear, together.
Interested in better understanding ALS? Visit The ALS Association: Dedicated to Finding a Cure for ALS | The ALS Association (
https://www.als.org/).
Want to make a difference? Join and/or donate to our team - ALS Annihilators - in the Walk to Defeat ALS: Dayton Walk: ALS Annihilators - The ALS Association (
http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/CentralandSouthernOhio?team_id=396234&pg=team&fr_id=14709)
With love,
Mary
