Neil Alexander, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Alexander Family
Photographs can illuminate certain events that impact people’s lives. Messages depicted in these digital images can vary. Some photos highlight the horrors of war or famine, while others depict the joy of a birth or homecoming. Neil Alexander, who was diagnosed with ALS in August 2011, has chosen to use photos to illustrate his battle with this debilitating and deadly disease. He will also use this medium to help spread ALS awareness.
In honor of his awareness efforts, The ALS Association’s Western Pennsylvania Chapter is honoring Alexander and his wife and caregiver, Suzanne, in May during ALS Awareness Month for the annual “ALS Across America” campaign.
Alexander began documenting his life with ALS via pictures in December 2011. The project, titled “A Journey of Strength the Progression of ALS Over Time,” will contain two sets of photos. One will show Alexander in plain sports clothes and demonstrate the effects Lou Gehrig’s Disease has on his body. In the other set, Alexander will wear the t-shirts of organizations schools, employers, sports teams and others that have been a significant source of strength to him throughout his life. Acclaimed Pittsburgh photographer Duane Rieder will document Alexander’s journey with ALS.
“These periodic photographs will shine a light on the devastating physical impact that ALS has on its victims,” said the chapter’s Executive Director Merritt H. Spier. “It is Neil and Suzanne’s hope that this unique project will serve as a testament to the ravages of the disease and the need to find a cure.”
Alexander, 46, works as director of corporate services at Hefren-Tillotson, Inc., one of Pittsburgh’s largest investment advisory and financial planning firms. He and Suzanne are parents to two young children, Abby, 10, and Patrick, 8.
According to Spier, Alexander plans to attend the National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., along with staff and volunteers from the Western Pennsylvania Chapter.
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