March 2nd is a day when all of our fears were confirmed. For 4 years now Jim has gone through rigorous testing and received multiply diagnoses including Hashimoto’s and Parkinson’s Disease. None of which thoroughly explained some of the symptoms he is experiencing. We watched as one of the strongest men in our lives struggled to walk, and at times even stumbled over forming a full sentence. The first diagnoses was a relief. We felt like this is something we can manage and maybe there was a light at the end of the tunnel. He began to improve, but other symptoms remained and even the doctors kept saying there has to be something else. When they diagnosed him with Parkinson's, again it was something we felt like we could manage. Sure it was scary and overwhelming, but we could adjust and adapt. The Doctors continued testing, trying to eliminate the worst diagnosis we feared. March 2nd of this year, Jimmy was diagnosed with ALS. No one really ever tells you the full scope of what if feels like when given that diagnosis. I remember the calm bewildered tone he had when he told me. I remember being so angry and asking God why? I remember the looks on our girls faces, as I choked through the words to tell them. We have been married for almost 20 yrs and I can’t even imagine a day without him. Jim immediately went into the mode of trying to figure out every solution to every little thing in our lives. Our finances now, and when he is gone…. Adapting the house to fit his needs as this progresses. Should we sell our house? Should we move back to FL? Should we stay here? And these are only a few. The overwhelming tsunami of emotions I can’t even put into words. Grief, anxiety, more grief. The unknown. This is a very cruel disease and there is no way to know how long we have with him. The only thing we could do is just start praying and give it all to Jesus. It is something we have to do everyday. In the middle of processing all of this, Jimmy looked at me and said “Nome, I am not going to give up. I am going to fight this.” Which is why I am writing this. I am writing to ask you to keep Jim and our family in your prayers. I am so grateful to those of you that have already come along side him, that have prayed with him and continue to pray for him. The support you all give him is such a blessing.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
That’s why we’re participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. To help unlock the mystery of ALS and find the key to treatments a cure. Will you join us?
ABOUT ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!
