- klmom
- Sex: F
- Data Quality: 1 star
- ALS: 8 yrs
- Bi-Pap Wheelchair Feeding tube
- Mouth/throat: moderate
- Arms: severe
- Chest: moderate
- Legs: moderate
- See profile
- klmom
- Female, 51 years
- torrance, CA
- Status
- 12/08
- 09/10/09
- 11/07/09
-
ALS Public Registry
- Condition History
- Arms
- 03/01
- 10/01
- Profile Activity
- 41 Views
- About Me
- I married my husband in 1976. I was 18 years old. Two years later we moved to our home in Torrance CA where we raised our family and built a wonderful life. In October 2001, at age 43, I received the terrible diagnosis of ALS. At the time, my daughter was only 12 and my son was 19. I was working full time as a heath aide at an elementary school and had many hobbies including quilting. My husband was a successful tile contractor. My disease progressed quite rapidly in the beginning. I had to quit work within 2 months since I could no longer use my hands or arms and was losing my ability to walk. My husband had to become my sole caretaker. Early in my illness, my family and friends (Ann’s Angels) helped me raise money for the ALSA organization to help find a cure for ALS. I have also participated in several drug studies at UCLA. My family and I volunteered at the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) telethon. I have mourned the loss of many of my abilities such as, my independence, working, driving, walking, hugging my loved ones, singing, quilting, speaking, and taking care of my family. Yet through it all, I endure and remain to be the strength for my family. I feel blessed that I am still here after eight years. I have been lucky enough to see my daughter graduate from High School, and I have seen my son find a successful career in auto mechanics. I’m looking forward to my son's wedding in May, as well as other family milestones. My spirit, faith in God, and sense of hope shines on. I am so grateful for my family, friends and to God for without them I would not make it through this journey called ALS.
Primary Symptoms
- Severity of Symptoms
none- mild
- moderate
- severe
