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Marilyn Cooper  

Name: Marilyn Cooper

City, State: Northridge, California

Age: 62

Family:
Husband – Richard Cooper
Children – Andrew Cooper, Heather Outner, Steven Cooper and their spouses
5 grandchildren

Hobbies/Interests:Reading books, sports, my family and the MDA Task Force on Disabilities.

Date of ALS diagnosis: May, 1975

Life before ALS: I was 30 years old, a wife and mother of 3 small children.  I was very active and involved in a charity group, as well as my children’s schools and our synagogue.

Life with ALS: In the last 31 years I raised my children, saw them all graduate from college, get married and have children.  I also went back to college and received my M.S. in counseling.  I worked for 3 years counseling drug addicts and alcoholics.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: My family and I have learned not to take anything for granted.  My children are compassionate and caring people, and my grandchildren think my wheelchair is a natural part of life.  I am passionate about my family and we enjoy together in our home all holidays.  I love sports, especially UCLA, and I read non-stop and have started a book club that has been going for the last 7 years.

 
Read more about Marilyn Cooper :
National Task Force on Public Awareness - Marilyn J. Cooper Northridge, Calif.