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Hometown, state: Bethel, Conn.
Age: 40
Family (spouse/partner; child, grandchildren): Father, Bob, and two sisters, Kerry and Lee.
Hobbies/Interests: Books on tape; fantasy sports; poker online; Facebook; jokes; watching sports.
Favorite quote: “Fear keeps people in situations.” -- Unknown
Date of ALS diagnosis: January 2005
Tell us about your life before ALS: I had two passions: 1) working out; and 2) reading books. I was a sales rep for Red Bull energy drink. I am an enthusiastic Yankees fan.
Tell us about your life with ALS: My life with ALS is a challenge. The challenge is to stay ahead of the disease progression. It’s important to make other people aware of ALS through starting a support group and participating in clinical trials.
Do you have a “life motto” or profound words to live by? The fear I talked about above is mostly about death, and releasing that fear.
Has there been an “aha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS? A friend told me to honor God by not giving up.
Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life — family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.: I am now part of something bigger than me. I participate in trials and started the support group to help other people with the disease and, through further education, to one day find a cure!
Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story? I want to be part of the cure team and be part of any clinical trial that is available to me.
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