Name: Roberto Rosado

City, State: New York, N.Y.

Age:  51

Family:
My 26-year-old daughter, Tashama, who is a nurse.

Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, softball, basketball, jogging, donating blood for charity, nature hikes, swimming and traveling.

Date of ALS diagnosis: December 10, 2001

Life before ALS: I was an Assistant Vice President at a Canadian banking firm. I was a captain on my softball and basketball teams, and I was also the main caregiver for my mother who had Parkinson’s.

Life with ALS: Initially, my life didn't change too much. My focus was on my mother. When she died in 2003, I lost some of my drive and strength - physically, emotionally and spiritually. At the same time, my disease progressed, so I lost my ability to work, play sports, do charity work and travel.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: The love of my family, friends and my angel Clarisse has helped me to recapture my spirit, my laugh and my ability to smile.  The MDA has helped me to try and be an inspiration to others with my disease by airing my profile on TV and presenting me with a Personal Achievement Award.  I take part in clinical trials, not only to help myself, but to help everyone with ALS to have hope.