I am Suzanne Gallo
a family member of someone we've lost to ALS
Delaware
But we must maintain hope. Without hope, there is nothing.
My dad, Robert Bartz, passed from ALS almost 6 years ago. When I was growing up, we lived in Wilmington, Delaware — then, proudly known as “the chemical capital of the world.” This was because the DuPont company was headquartered in Wilmington, and had many manufacturing plants nearby.
My dad did not work for DuPont. He worked for the Pontiac division of General Motors. He had a very stressful job. A lot of traveling. He was also a great mechanic. He often had his bare hands in all kinds of chemicals.
Later, he and my mom moved downstate to Fenwick Island, DE. We visited frequently. My parents also had a small home in Key Largo, FL. My husband and I bought a home in the same community in Key Largo so we could be close to them.
My dad was 77 when he was diagnosed, and died 2 years later. He had limb onset, but did require a trilogy for the last few months. I was with him often. I was with him when he died in April, 2016.
On January 11, 2021, my husband, Michael, was diagnosed with ALS. He had been experiencing symptoms for a few years.
ALS is sickening. We try to do the best we can — living with ALS AGAIN! But we must maintain hope. Without hope, there is nothing. We need a David to slay this Goliath. We need him now.
