Originally from Montreal Canada; have 6 children, divorced ;now living alone; was very sport active; received the Medal de Civisim from the Quebec government. my first visit to the dr. re; my als was when i had difficulty getting out of bed, and inability to mount my bike. it took about 1 1/2 years for the drs. to confirm the als, with stints in hospital and numerous testings; . you all probably did the same. the worst was doing research and learning the stats; i thought i would not see my 60 th birthday; that was very depressing; i adjusted; each day i awake, thank God, and do the best i can