Name: Dian Alolor

Hometown, State: Sioux Falls, SD

Age: 64

Family:
Children: Shane, Kimberly, Heather
Grandchildren: Amanda and Brandon (Shane’s children), and Ian, Laurel and Isaac (Kimberly’s children)

Hobbies/Interests:
Reading, computer, grandchildren, politics, friends, church

Date of ALS diagnosis:
November 2005

Tell us about your life before ALS:
My life was busy. I worked full time and volunteered. I was a member of the United Methodist Women and several other clubs. I spent a lot of time with friends. I made puzzles, baked, knit, crocheted – everything! I was fearless! I even sky-dived.

Tell us about your life with ALS:
I still use the computer and read and I still have friends and family who I visit with. I do my best to learn all I can about ALS. It’s challenging to deal with the day to day changes in my abilities. I still have great faith and pray a lot. I’ve learned the meaning of “acceptance.”

Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life - family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.:
ALS makes me appreciate things more. I really see the beauty in life. My faith is stronger and I enjoy the support group and appreciate the people who dedicate themselves to caring for the people who have ALS and researching the causes of ALS.

List your favorite quote: “Yea though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”

Do you have a “life motto” or “profound words to live by”: Acceptance!

Has there been an “a-ha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS?
It would have to be when I was diagnosed with ALS. It meant that my symptoms made sense.

Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story?
This is not the type of retirement that I expected, but I am thankful for all the many things I have done in my life. I have been blessed with excellent family and friends. And I am prayed for from Hawaii, across the States, and to the Philippines.