Tara Webb, Arroyo Grande, California
Due
to the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou
Gehrig’s Disease) on her body, Tara Webb can no longer speak or use her
arms. She uses a motorized
wheelchair to get around her home and communicates with loved ones and
colleagues via computer and an assistive communication device, Tobii
Communicator.
However,
Webb’s optimistic spirit in living with ALS has caught the attention of The ALS
Association’s Golden West Chapter.
This May, which is ALS Awareness Month, the chapter is honoring Webb and
her caregiver and husband of 27 years, Kevin, for the annual “ALS Across
America” campaign. This national
campaign pays tribute to people with ALS and their caregivers as role
models. These individuals inspire
The Association and the ALS community as they make a positive difference by
spreading ALS awareness and by living their lives to the fullest.
Surrounded by love - Tara Webb with her husband, daughters, and four-legged friends
Diagnosed
with ALS in June 2004, Webb’s initial symptoms of the disease involved slurred
speech.
“Everyone
thought that I was drunk,” said Webb, who is 58 years old. “I didn't have any
other physical symptoms.” As the disease progressed, Webb had to stop doing
many of her favorite activities. “Quilting was one of my passions prior to
getting ALS,” she said.
Nonetheless, Lou Gehrig’s Disease has strengthened the former
accountant’s resolve to stay active.
“Tara has spent many hours using technology to interact with
others,” said Jenica Lancy, the chapter’s director of marketing and communications. “She uses these tools to communicate
with her nurses and visitors to her house, write e-mails, explore the Internet,
shop online, read the newspaper, and monitor her Facebook page, where she has 590
friends and growing.”
“I’m
able to e-mail my doctors, health care providers and business people directly
with questions, concerns or problems,” Webb said. “I am participating in my own
life.”
Technology as well as online connections have enhanced
Webb’s quality of life, but her family is the cornerstone of her being. Webb met her spouse Kevin, who is a
chemistry and radiation technician, in Hawaii, when he was stationed at Pearl
Harbor with the U.S. Navy. The
couple has two daughters, Valerie, who is 26, and Janelle, 23. The entire family educates their
friends and neighbors about ALS and participates in chapter activities. Janelle
works at the Golden West Chapter as special events intern. “I chose to do this
because I see firsthand what the chapter does for people with ALS and their
families,” she said. “I wanted to help other families that are going through
what my family has.”
This month, the Webbs will participate in the chapter’s
first Walk to Defeat ALS® event in 2012 in San Luis Obispo on May
6. Webb will lead her Walk team “Tara’s Troopers,” which
aims to raise funds for research, care services and public policy initiatives.
“I am very excited about the walk,” states Janelle. “The Walk was the first way
that our family got involved with the chapter and to see it come back to our
area is very exciting. We get to share this event with our friends and get the
word out to our community about ALS.” Her mom added, “Before I was diagnosed, I
didn't know anything about ALS. That's why I'm looking forward to being part of
this year’s Walk. I've been able to walk, ride actually, with my family and
friends for the past eight years to raise awareness in my community. I looking forward to see everyone and
passing along the message to the world to ‘Never give up!!’ ”
"I have worked with Tara
since shortly after her diagnosis,” said Golden West Chapter Regional Care
Manager and Support Group Leader, Julie Scurich. “Her determined and courageous
spirit is inspiring to all who meet her. As the disease progressed, it was
not in her nature to give up. Instead, she learned to adapt with the help of
her supportive family and friends and the use of adaptive equipment. She and
Kevin continue to attend our support group meetings in San Luis Obispo
regularly, and because of their experience, the advice they give to other
members of the group is invaluable."
|
