Name: Dorothy Drago

Hometown, State: Lynn, MA (now residing in Las Vegas, NV)

Age: 79

Family:
Barry Tomsich, Diane, Pam, Carole, Jack, Barry, Jessica, Angie, Rachel, Claire, Nick, John, Matt, Ashley and Lindsey

Hobbies/Interests:
Music, dancing, gym, reading, writing, movies, concerts and road trips

Date of ALS diagnosis:
July 11, 2007

Tell us about your life before ALS:
After retirement from the county, I moved to an active retirement community where I was involved in gym, dancing, traveling and Red Hat Lady activities. I also did water aerobics and was asked to teach at the gym. I was a dancer for years.

Tell us about your life with ALS:
My lifetime partner, Barry, and I moved to Sun City Aliante just prior to my ALS diagnosis at Massachusetts General… during the summer, I felt sad, angry, helpless and felt “why me.” However, it was a relief to – at last, after two years – know what my problem is.

Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life - family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.:
With time, I have learned patience and letting new people in my life help me. I see the reality of nature and read more books. But most important of all, my family has come closer together with me, and each other. My lifetime partner is now my loving caregiver. Life is good.

List your favorite quote:
“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” – Rabindranath Tagore

Do you have a “life motto” or “profound words to live by”:
“Love and laughter are what you need most in life. They’ll fill up all the potholes in the road.” – Maria Shriver

Has there been an “a-ha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS?
After diagnosis, my five children came together to give me the love and support I needed to cope. I realize how much I’m loved by my family and friends.

Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story?
Frustration is paramount. The tears and anger are waning. You may never totally accept it, but you have to deal with it by keeping a positive state of mind.