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Eric Barb

Name: Eric Barb

City, State: Olathe, Kan.

Age: 36

Family:
Lisa (spouse)
Ashley (daughter)
Megan (daughter)

Hobbies/Interests:
Internet, watching NASCAR, movies, watching the girls in their activities.

Date of ALS diagnosis: Diagnosed on our 7th wedding anniversary, May 22, 2000

Life before ALS: Before I was diagnosed, I was all about work and supporting my wife and kids.  My goals in life were of materialistic value: nice cars, new house, that sort of stuff.  I just assumed, like everyone does, that I would be around forever.

Life with ALS:I immediately quit work when I was told I had ALS.  My life has now gradually shifted from being independent to very dependent.  Everything about ALS is a test.  A test of strength, patience, courage, faith, ingenuity and did I say patience.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: Having this disease has really opened my eyes to how precious life is.  It has made my relationship with my family stronger.  It has brought my wife and I to a whole new, loving relationship.  I believe it’s made me a better person.  It has really changed the way I view the world and what I value in it.