PatientsLikeMe ™

My name is Annalien.  I'm staying in Pretoria, South Africa. 

My son, Rudie (32) was diagnosed with ALS on 5 Oct 2005. Eight/Nine months ago he was a healty active young man (Two Ocean's Marathon ; Volley Ball for South African Defence Force ; Surfing ; Rugby)

He worked as a Dental Technician at South African Defence Force.  SADF is busy to board him at this time, will be final by September 2006. 

He done so many things with his hands, he could just make anything. Woodwork, building, welding, etc.

Married for 5 years on October 14th, 2005.  He has a son, Dylon (3 years old on August 11th) has Down Syndrome. His wife, Karen, is eight months pregnant with their second baby, a girl.  She is a wonderful wife and mother.  I have so much respect and love for her, because she cares for my son and grandson with so much love and tenderness.  

My son's ALS is very aggresive, since he is at this stage already in a wheelchair and for very long times on oxygen.  His left side is totally paralized (he is lefthanded) and the right side a very little, useable.

Since Karen still has to work for two weeks, my husband and I have to help a lot with his personal care, household, garden and swimmingpool.  After the baby's birth we still have to be there on a regular basis. Luckely we do not stay too far from them.  We are going to sell our house and try to find a house walking distance from them.

The best part is that Rudie accepted this disease as God's Will, he accepted that he is going to die from this disease and knows that there will be no cure for ALS in this lifetime.

It breaks my heart to see my beautiful son like this.  I still can not accept this like he does.  When I am alone, I still cry a lot.  In the past eight months I done so much research on ALS and I know now that I will not find the answers to the cause.  It can not be familial, because there is nobody in the families with any MND.

I will attach a foto of Rudie, Karen and Dylon.  I am sure nobody wants to see my face!