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Hometown, state: Laguna Beach, Calif.
Age: 38
Family (spouse/partner; child, grandchildren): My wife Shannon.
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling the world, outdoor activities, friends, social gatherings.
Favorite quote: “Overcoming great adversity can be a real achievement.”
Date of ALS diagnosis: April 2008
Tell us about your life before ALS: I was a hard-working man (while dating a beautiful woman) with a purpose and a goal. I was trying to get to the point where I could sell my business and continue traveling the world in order to experience all countries, cultures and people while, at the same time, finding a way to give back to those in need since my “life” had been so great to me up to that point.
Tell us about your life with ALS: The news was beyond crushing. I still do not believe it, and I am filled with anger. But I use that as a motivation to beat this condition that has taken my former life. I am now married to that beautiful woman (and very happy) and hoping to soon have a child. I plan on living a long, healthy life with the use of both my hands and legs.
Do you have a “life motto” or profound words to live by?
Jeremy, you will beat ALS.
Jeremy, you will live to be a very old man.
Jeremy, you will watch your children grow old.
Jeremy, you will travel the world.
Jeremy, you will accomplish everything you want in life.
Jeremy, you will beat this!
Has there been an “aha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS? There must be a reason for this. I just haven’t found what that is. ALS was just a way my body was screaming to me that something is wrong. I just need to find the problem before I can continue “My Path” in life.
Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life — family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.: It simply tells you how “precious” life is, and to never disrespect that. I love my friends, family and especially my wife that much more. I just have to put some of my hobbies and passions on hold until I conquer this beast. The funny thing is that I never took family, friends and wife for granted, but as I said, “There must be a reason.”
Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story? No matter what you have, you can never give up hope. That does not mean there will be some tremendous lows (and I have had many of those), and you have to believe you will get better. I am also realistic about what I have. This attitude allows me to not get too high or too low, but above all it has taught me to be “present” at every moment of my life.
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