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Alan Alderman  

Name: Alan Alderman

City, State: South Jordan, Utah

Age: 46

Family:
Wife – Shaun
Children – Breanna (16), Justin (14) and Jessica (10)

Hobbies/Interests:All sports, skiing (both water and snow), camping, hiking, cycling and anything to do with the outdoors.

Date of ALS diagnosis: September, 2001

Life before ALS: My life prior to ALS was consumed with my career and my immediate family.  I had a successful career in banking and finance was, at the time, a Credit manager for a nationwide automobile finance company.  It was a very happy and active life, but somewhat self-centered.

Life with ALS: It is still a very happy and active life.  Many of my previous hobbies have gone by the wayside, but with 3 very active children, I am able to participate in sports and outdoor activities vicariously through them.  I retired in August, 2003 and often wonder how I ever had the time to hold down a full-time job.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: Obviously, many of my hobbies have changed al ALS has progressed.  I read a lot more now than I used to.  My life is much fuller than before.  I have more patience with myself and others.  Time spent with family and friends has become even more important.  We laugh more as a family and have grown closer through our challenges.  We have also been able to meet many wonderful people and have many great experiences that we would not have been able to do without ALS.