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In memory of David Richards

someone we've lost to ALS

Rhode Island


When he could no longer drive to work he took a bus. When he could no longer stand, he used a wheelchair.

My dad was an amazing man. He loved his family, his country, science and teaching. He lost his battle to ALS September 14th, 2011, surrounded by his wife, children and brothers.

The muscle spasms started sometime around 2004. I remember by 2005 when I graduated from college, he was wearing hand-braces for extra support. As his muscles began to deteriorate, he pushed on. He had just transitioned out of the hospital lab, and into a role teaching science to high school students, a job he truly relished.

He met all the physical set-backs with determination and adaptations: the braces, steering wheel and seat-belt adapters. When he could no longer drive to work he took a bus. When he could no longer stand, he used a wheelchair. When he couldn’t put his feet on the pedals of his recumbent bike, we did it for him. He was able to live his final years at home, being cared for by immediate family, but also a wonderful group of caregivers, who became family.

Having ALS recognized by the VA allowed my parents to make physical changes to their home, like an accessible bathroom and a ramped entrance. My father’s journey sustains me in my career as a neuroscience researcher. I know for a fact that there are dedicated, hardworking scientists across the world fighting to find a cure, or a transformative therapy for all ALS patients.


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