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ALS: Anyone’s
  L
ife Story”
May 2007
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MDA’s ALS Division introduces you to 31 people  - one each day for the month of May - who are living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease). 

This series was inspired by Augie Nieto, ALS Division Co-Chairperson, who says that since his ALS diagnosis, instead of striving for success, his goal each day is to be significant.

In their own words, otherwise “ordinary” people describe the impact of living with a progressive, incurable and deadly disease. But their stories also tell how ALS has brought new significance to their lives in ways that you might not expect. 

ALS can become anyone’s life story. Please join MDA’s world-leading effort to stop it. 

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Read other stories by clicking the date on the calendar.
Stuart Nichols Video Profile - 56k | 128k | 512k

Name: Stuart Nichols

City, State: Houston, Texas

Age: 54

Family:
Son - Andrew -age 23
Daughter -- Whitney - age 21
Best Friend and Caregiver - Gary

Hobbies/Interests: Professional sports, especially baseball; world history, military history, ALS advocacy.

Date of ALS diagnosis: Initial diagnosis January 2004, confirming diagnosis March 2004.

Life before ALS: As a man in my early 50’s I was quite unaware of my mortality and the importance of a legacy.  I was heavily engaged in activity for my own benefit, principally the pursuit of a successful career with a major petroleum company.  In the time that I did have free, I enjoyed being with my children, often attending team sports in which they participated during their school years.

Life with ALS: Living with ALS is by far the biggest challenge I have faced.  There are so many everyday activities, previously taken for granted, that represent a major struggle to perform or which I can no longer do.  Adapting and changing what one has done for many years often comes with a sense of loss or frustration.  Yet my struggle brings out great compassion, deep love and support from many friends and family – I often see people at their best.  This helps me to maintain hope for a breakthrough in ALS science while I try to live life on the terms I have been dealt, enjoying what I can do and not dwelling on what I can no longer do.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: Soon after my diagnosis I became interested in ALS advocacy efforts.  This included fundraising activities and speaking in whatever forums are presented to me.  I guess that I direct my anger and frustration with ALS in a positive manner through such activities.  Working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I have had the opportunity to raise significant monies and appear on television nationally to promote the fight against ALS.  I am hopeful this will result in a cure within my lifetime, but if not – I want to be remembered as one of those who were on the team that beat ALS.

 
Read more about Stuart Nichols:

DIAMONDBACKS HONOR FATHER-SON DUO, FITNESS PIONEER AT MDA-ALS AWARENESS NIGHT
(MDA News: May 4, 2006)
Stu Nichols Finishes Strong (MDA/ALS Newsmagazine: June - July 2006 v11 n6)

 
 
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