I am Dennis Larsen
a family member of someone we've lost to ALS
California
However, she never lost the spark in her eyes that reminded us of her strength as her body withered or her wit and sense of humor as she lost her ability to speak.
My mother died of ALS on July 3, 1996 after suffering a slow but steady decline for 18 months. At that time, when the first symptoms presented, it took several months to properly diagnose her disease because of limitations in science and technology. Essentially, other diseases needed to be ruled out first.
During her illness she suffered emotionally and physically, including muscle cramps as she gradually lost her muscle strength and mass. Over those 18 months she gradually lost her ability to swallow, choking regularly. After about a year she lost her ability to talk.
However, she never lost the spark in her eyes that reminded us of her strength as her body withered or her wit and sense of humor as she lost her ability to speak. The emotional toll on her and her family and friends was (and still is, to some extent), enormous. To watch a loved one slowly lose their abilities, while always hoping for a cure or treatment, is horrible, particularly when that treatment or cure never comes.
To have the support that the I AM ALS community provides would have been of tremendous value to all of us. I am so appreciative of all of you and your efforts.
