A few years ago everybody was doing the Ice Bucket Challenge to bring awareness and funding to ALS, also know as Lou Gehrig's disease. I recently watched about a documentary about ALS and I was astounded by how quickly this disease takes over your body. I am partnering with Linqia to help raise funds and awareness for ALS. I have received no compensation for this post. I just want my readers to be aware and hopefully share this post.
Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Each case is different, and the community of people with ALS and the care providers involved with ALS TDI share their experiences to help those newly diagnosed and their families. Advancements in ALS research have provided significant new insights into ALS, how to stratify those diagnosed, and develop effective treatments and cures.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Charcot's disease, and motor neuron disease (MND), attacks certain cells in the brain and spinal cord needed to keep our muscles moving. Early signs and symptoms of ALS include:
- muscle cramps and muscle twitching
- weakness in hands, legs, feet or ankles
- difficulty speaking or swallowing
Sarah writes: “At first, I was drowning in all my inability, in all the ways I thought I would fail her as a mom. Then something unexpected started to happen. The things I couldn't do for her, she started to do for herself. When she was 2, she dressed herself. By age 3, she was opening doors for me and helping with groceries. At 4, she could make a quiche, and these days she folds laundry and cleans her room with only the slightest bit of prodding. Sometimes, she gets a broom and a dustpan and starts sweeping the floor without being asked. If my foot slips off my footrest, she nonchalantly walks over and plops it back in place.”
In 2015, Sarah launched #WhatWouldYouGive, a national campaign that challenges healthy people to give up an ability (e.g. voices, arms, hands, legs), to understand what life with ALS might be like and raise awareness and funding for ALS research. Sarah’s experience with ALS and her journey through motherhood leads her to believe that her disease will ultimately make her daughter stronger, braver, loving and empathetic—something we all hope for our children.
I want to know, #WhatWouldYouGive to #EndALS? Please give generously and share this message. You can donate at ALS Therapy Development Institute .
