Tom Masters, Anaheim, California
Tom and Heidi Masters
Winston Churchill once uttered “attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” The late statesman’s pronouncement provides great insight to individuals battling a difficult situation, in particular a fatal disease like ALS. Since being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease in August 2008, Tom Masters had to retire from his job as an engineer at Broadcom, but he applies his personal know-how of life with ALS to helping The ALS Association’s Orange County Chapter to spread awareness of the disease to his community.
For his educational endeavors, the chapter is honoring Masters and his wife and caregiver, Heidi, in May, which is ALS Awareness Month, for the annual “ALS Across America” campaign.
“Tom is a very charismatic person, and more importantly, he has a big heart,” said Natalie Villegas, the chapter’s patient services coordinator. “He is always willing to share his story with others who are living with this devastating disease or inform those around him who know little about the impact ALS has on people and their families.”
In spite of having to use a power wheelchair for mobility and relying on a feeding tube for nutrition and a diaphragm for breathing, Masters remains busy. He and Heidi have participated in the chapter’s annual Walk to Defeat ALSŪ each October in Irvine since 2008, and they attend support group meetings in Santa Ana the first Wednesday of each month. They also interact with others battling the disease at the chapter’s monthly “PALS to PALS” lunch.
Villegas said Masters plans to attend the National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in May to support the chapter.
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