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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)