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ALS: Anyone’s
  L
ife Story”
May 2007
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MDA’s ALS Division introduces you to 31 people  - one each day for the month of May - who are living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease). 

This series was inspired by Augie Nieto, ALS Division Co-Chairperson, who says that since his ALS diagnosis, instead of striving for success, his goal each day is to be significant.

In their own words, otherwise “ordinary” people describe the impact of living with a progressive, incurable and deadly disease. But their stories also tell how ALS has brought new significance to their lives in ways that you might not expect. 

ALS can become anyone’s life story. Please join MDA’s world-leading effort to stop it. 

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Read other stories by clicking the date on the calendar.
Mary Kay Stillwell

Name: Mary Kay Stillwell

City, State: Wichita, Kansas

Age:  44

Family:
Parents: Bob & Maggie Zwiesler,
4 children
Jessica (21), Alex (19), Sarah (15) & Daniel (13)

Hobbies/Interests: Following sports especially collegiate football and basketball

Date of ALS diagnosis: On May 7, 1993 I finally received the diagnosis after nine months of visiting five doctors.

Life before ALS: I was married, mother of three and pregnant with my youngest child. I worked full-time in a heart catheterization lab. I was full of energy, strong and physically fit person.

Life with ALS: My life with ALS has changed me for the better. I have gone from a strong-willed, independent, and controlling individual to a strong-willed, appreciative person who delegates jobs. I have become a better listener. I became more involved with volunteering at my children’s school.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: ALS has brought new significance to my life by allowing me to slow my life down and learn to appreciate the simple pleasures. I have learned not to sweat the small stuff and have more faith in God. ALS has strengthened my bonds with my parents and siblings, and helped me to enjoy my children - even their heartaches.

 
 
 
 
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