In memory of Tom Ahrenholz

My name is McKenzie Anderson and I’m here today sharing our story with you in memory of my Dad, The Unknown Legend himself, Tom Ahrenholz. On May, 3rd 2020 at the age of 62, 16 months after being diagnosed, he passed away in his sleep.

My dad was a unique soul. He was known for his witty sarcastic sense of humor, always being able to make everyone laugh anywhere he went. He had a great love for music especially Neil Young. He was a framer for the local carpenters union for 42 years. He took pride in what he did as he would say “I’m kind of a big deal, of course you know I built this town.”

In 2018 shortly before he retired he started noticing weakness in his hands, he was having difficulty being able to tie his shoes. Not long after he retired he was having trouble breathing especially after eating. Finally in January of 2019 he was admitted to the hospital because of breathing issues. That’s where our life changed. We were told that he more than likely had ALS and maybe had 2-3 years left. But in February we found out it was much worse. Because ALS had effected his lungs and respiratory 1st they gave him 6-8 months maybe a year at best.

Our family was broken. For the next 16 months as a family we all made memories and made the most of our time. Our family bonded and stuck together by his side as he fought like hell. I just stood by in awe at the strength and courage my dad had. He knew what his fate was but he still wasn’t going to let that stop him. My dad was a single dad. He raised me on his own so in my eyes, he always was a superhero, but watching him fight like he did reassured me how amazing he was. I promised my dad that I would never stop fighting to help support those who still suffer and to honor the ones who finally can rest.

My dad passed away a day before my 39 birthday. As broken as I was I was also lucky cause for my birthday my dad became my angel. Until my last breath I will fight for him and anyone else whose lives have been affected by ALS.