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Lisa Shelley

Name: Lisa Shelley

City, State: High Point, N.C.

Age: 45

Family:
I have been married for 23 years to my wonderful husband Ken.  I have no children, and one brother.  My parents are deceased and one other brother.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoyed running, swimming, all water sports, reading, being with family and friends, and being a part of my church.

Date of ALS diagnosis: February 27, 2006

Life before ALS: Before my disease I thought I had the best life possible, and I did.  I was able to do everything that I enjoyed doing.  I have always tried to focus on the needs of others and enjoy everyday to the fullest.

Life with ALS:With my disease I still love life and really appreciate my family and friends even more.  I am not able to do some of the physical things I once enjoyed, but I concentrate on what I can do and not what I can’t do.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: ALS has made me realize how important everyday is.  I have always tried to look at each day as a gift and with each gifted day I hope to do something that will make a difference.  The program I started called “Friends Like Mine” made me realize I can still be of value without having to be dependant on my physical body, this gives me hope and helps someone in the process.  ALS has impacted my life in a positive way and now I focus on the things that are the most important to me.