Margaret Mary “Peg” Lovett, North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Family, faith and friends can lend a sense of comfort to people when they encounter difficult times. These elements can also strengthen a person’s resolve in overcoming day-to-day challenges, particularly for someone living with ALS. Margaret Mary “Peg” Lovett, who was diagnosed with ALS in May 2011, depends on her loved ones and her belief in God in coping with this disease.
Margaret Mary Lovett with friend Susan Pomfret
This May, The ALS Association’s Rhode Island Chapter is honoring Lovett, 54, during ALS Awareness Month for the annual “ALS Across America” campaign.
Although Lovett now uses a motorized wheelchair for mobility, she maintains an upbeat attitude in her dealings with ALS. Lovett’s onetime colleagues at the office of Seth Feder, M.D., admire her spirit, courage and strength. “Peg’s sense of humor manages to shine through all the time,” said, Dr. Feder. Lovett worked as a medical assistant in dermatology at Dr. Feder’s office for 25 years. Both Lovett and her former co-workers mutually consider each other family.
Lovett’s immediate family, particularly her son Jeremy, 29, bolster her spirits. Her brother Bill Lovett calls his sister “an inspiration and a fighter.” Lynn McGovern, care services coordinator at the chapter, believes Lovett’s devotion to her family helps her to focus on maintaining a positive attitude in living with ALS. Furthermore, her friends at Dr. Feder’s office cite her belief in a higher power in helping her battle Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
McGovern said the chapter will celebrate ALS Awareness Month in May by hosting its annual ALS Awareness Day at the Rhode Island State House in Providence on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. Several of the chapter’s constituents will attend this event to hear the declaration of ALS Awareness Day and listen to many speakers. She hopes Lovett and her family will attend this event in the state’s capital.
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