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Hometown, state: Oshkosh, Wis.
Age: 43
Family (spouse/partner; child, grandchildren): My wife Meg and three children, ages 18, 16 and 12.
Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing and attending my children’s events.
Favorite quote: “Keep it simple.”
Date of ALS diagnosis: August 2008
Tell us about your life before ALS: Life before ALS can be defined as continuous motion. I was busy with work, family and took life for granted in some respects. I was slowed with some health issues (knee repair and aortic valve replacement), but always figured it could be fixed and in time I would bounce back and live life on my terms. As an engineer I have this “perfectionist” mentality, resulting in a “if I don’t do it myself, it wouldn’t get done right” attitude.
Tell us about your life with ALS: Life with ALS has been an emotional rollercoaster, but with the support of family, MDA and doctors, the ride is much smoother. I find myself (in engineer mode) preparing for the time in which I will no longer be able to perform tasks. At work I document and mentor at every chance. At home I teach the kids and my wife the tasks that I have considered mine for the last 20 years. I try to keep life as normal as possible for those around me, while getting the rest I need to keep going.
Do you have a “life motto” or profound words to live by? If a situation is not going to matter in five years, why get worked up about it today?
Has there been an “aha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS? Due to bulbar-onset ALS affecting my speech, telemarketers refuse to talk to me and actually hang up — there is a plus to everything!
Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life — family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.: ALS has heightened my awareness of others around me. I have wonderful support from family, friends and my employer. I continue to commute from Oshkosh to Green Bay and feel that I am still contributing to the company (Little Rapids Corp.) at a high level. I have now realized I cannot do everything by myself and need other people, a huge step for me.
Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story? One year ago I had heard of Lou Gehrig’s disease but had no idea what it actually was nor how widespread it is. Through ALS, my family and I have grown closer, laughing and crying one day at a time. For this I am thankful.
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