By Erika Gram, 
ALS caregiver & daughter

Our home has always been filled with family, friends, and joyful celebrations during the holiday season. It’s a time to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories.

After my dad was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2017, creating holiday memories became especially important for our family. The average life expectancy for someone with this disease is 2 to 5 years, so we understand that every moment we spend together is precious.

My brother and I moved back home so that we could make the most of every day with our dad and to help with his care as his ALS progresses. While my dad is the one who received the ALS diagnosis, all of us – my mom, my dad, and my brother Seth and I – are committed to living with the impact of this disease together as a family. This summer, we even traveled to Washington, D.C. to share our family’s story with Congress. All four of us will continue to fight alongside the ALS community to raise awareness of ALS and to help find treatments and a cure.

This year we will defy the odds and enjoy another holiday celebration with Dad. We won’t let ALS steal the joy from our time together as a family. We will face what comes together.