Vincent C. “Vince” Gandolfi, North Ridgeville, Ohio
Modern technology provides myriad benefits for Americans, while social media has allowed us to connect with others instantaneously. Vincent C. “Vince” Gandolfi can attest to both of these statements. Gandolfi, 65, reduced his work hours to part-time due to ALS, which impacted his ability to speak. However, the transportation and air freight salesman communicates with colleagues, family and friends through his iPad, Skype and Facebook.
This May, during ALS Awareness Month, The ALS Association’s Northern Ohio Chapter is honoring Gandolfi and his wife and caregiver, Helena, for the annual “ALS Across America” campaign.
Helena and Vince Gandolfi
The iPad and his social media connections have enabled Gandolfi to assist the chapter with its annual Walk to Defeat ALSŪ in Cleveland. “Vince has mastered his iPad and social media to form and energize his Walk Team, Gandolfi’s Goombas,” said chapter Executive Director Mary Wilson Wheelock. “In 2011, he sent weekly updates and photos to family and friends to keep his team growing and raising money!” Gandolfi’s Goombas consisted of 60-plus members. The team greatly exceeded its goal of $3,500 by raising more than $9,600 dollars.
Aside from working with the chapter, Gandolfi stays busy with his personal connections. “Vince has chosen to live with ALS and not let the disease get the best of him,” Wheelock said. Doctors diagnosed Gandolfi with ALS in January 2009. His social life remains booked, and he is still the life of the party. Gandolfi meets with his grandchildren and plays online games with them. He also connects with his family in Europe via Skype and “talks” with his Spanish-speaking brother-in-law in Spain through the use of a translation application.
Gandolfi doesn’t limit his interactions solely to family and friends. He connects with others battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease through online correspondence. “Vince has emailed many other people with ALS, encouraging them to live and be strong as well as answer questions about his communication device. He even provides expert reviews on new-to-the-market communication apps. The Northern Ohio Chapter is so much richer and fuller because of Vince’s commitment to our Chapter,” said Lisa Bruening, M.S., CCC-SLP, the chapter’s patient services coordinator.
College students in speech pathology and physical therapy programs also benefit from Gandolfi’s experience with the disease. He showed his dedication in educating others about ALS when he attended a class right after being discharged from the hospital to have a feeding tube placed. “That’s dedication,” Bruening said.
According to Wheelock, the Gandolfis plan to attend the National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., May 13 - 15.
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