Name: Angelo Sciulli
City, State: Lancaster, South Carolina
Age: In dog years, I'm dead, but in human years, 60
Family:
Wife – Janet (of 40 years)
Children – Missy and Michael
Grandchildren - Christopher
Hobbies/Interests: Nature/wildlife photography, photojournalism, German shepherds, native plants (I have a native plant garden), animals (especially bears), karate, travel, humor, ALS advocacy, digital presentations that explain how ALS affects PALS, computers, Carolina Panthers football, college football, Pro Bull Riding, US western history and supporting the MDA.
Date of ALS diagnosis: 1998
Life before ALS: Our children were grown and I discussed early retirement with my wife to pursue a second career. In 1997, I retired from my position as a research director to start a second career as a wildlife photographer and writer,, Overall, I was active in karate, home maintenance/repairs, yard work hobbies and family.
Life with ALS: Living with ALS and eventual paralysis is not my most favorite thing to do. I am only restricted to what my body will allow me to do. At the same time, my mind is as active and creative as ever. I keep a list of prioritized projects that is constantly being replenished with new ideas to replace the completed projects. As an aside I do not shy away from difficult activities. This summer, I am going fly fishing in Colorado (courtesy of Kathy and Wayne Turner) with a certified Orvis guide!
How has ALS brought new significance to your life: Perhaps everyone with a diagnosis of a terminal illness initially contemplates a shortened lifetime. In my case, I refused to sit around waiting to die, and found purpose in my photography albeit with a changed focus towards raising awareness for ALS. I continue to travel photograph and write although in much less frequency than before my diagnosis. In 2005, I even found time to publish a book of my life with ASL described through different photography trips to different places such as Alaska, Ecuador, Newfoundland, several US states, Italy and Kenya. |
