Cyle Harris, Des Arc, Arkansas
Cyle Harris with his children Caroline and Walker
During his 39 years, Cyle Harris has served his country in politically unstable regions and witnessed life-threatening scenarios as an emergency medical technician and fireman with the Sherwood Fire Department. Yet his fight against ALS is probably his most daunting. Doctors told Harris he had ALS in October 2008. Nonetheless, the retired Army veteran tirelessly strives to educate his community about this disease.
This May, The ALS Association’s Arkansas Chapter is honoring Harris and his wife and caregiver Michelle during ALS Awareness Month for the annual “ALS Across America” campaign.
Harris rouses the chapter with his determination, devotion, and his positive attitude in coping with the disease. Having been deployed to Somalia, Haiti, and Panama in the early to mid 1990s, he is used to working in grave conditions. Harris’ decade-long work at the Sherwood Fire Department where he eventually became captain has also prepared him to face seemingly insurmountable situations. Undoubtedly, these experiences have influenced his resolve to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Michelle Harris, who works at the chapter as a Walk to Defeat ALSŪ and care coordinator, believes what makes her spouse inspirational stems from his commitment to helping others with ALS. Harris participates in the chapter’s bi-monthly support groups in Little Rock, where he offers advice to families battling the disease. He also supports those with Lou Gehrig’s Disease—and the chapter—by attending golf tournaments and the annual Walk to Defeat ALSŪ in both Little Rock and Rogers.
“Cyle wants to raise awareness in the community so that others with ALS don't have to explain the situation or feel uncomfortable when meeting people who don't have experience with the disease,” said Michelle.
Harris retired from the Sherwood Fire Department in May 2009, shortly after receiving his diagnosis. ALS impacted his ability to use his hands along with his speech. Today, he communicates with his family, including his and Michelle’s children, Caroline, eight, and Walker, five, via text messaging but occasionally relies on a Dynavox machine. Harris also has access to a wheelchair, but Michelle says he does not want to use it until “he has to.” A service dog, a yellow Labrador Retriever named “Mustang,” aids Harris by performing activities he can no longer do.
“Mustang is a faithful friend and helps pick up dropped items, open and shut doors, and gets help when Cyle has a choking episode,” Michelle said.
Michelle said she, her husband and Mustang plan to attend this year’s National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. The couple went to the 2011 conference.
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