Erin Vierstra found the group Her ALS Story while scrolling on Instagram a little over a year ago. Erin's story is one with a long family history, and being a part of this group of women has given her a support, space to be, a platform and inspiration to keep a good thing going and growing.
The urge to support, or be supported, is often accentuated at times of great challenge, or uncertainty. As anyone living with ALS or being an ALS caregiver knows, this disease can bring plenty of both. That’s why The ALS Association provides support groups in every state.
In some way, shape or form, we are all list people. Some people are of the pen and paper list variety, others have taken to keeping notes on their phone or online calendar. And even those who would claim to not keep lists probably have an idea of some “to dos” they keep in their head. For ALS caregivers, far too often the last thing on their lists is themselves. So, here’s a list of ALS caregiver “to dos” for their own self-care and wellness.
Heidi Tarr Henson, diagnosed with ALS last spring, shares thoughts about her personal journey living with the disease, how she’s managing her personal changes in mobility and how she strives to just live in the moment.
Ricky and Carole Neal met on July 4th, 1985 at a car crash scene and experienced what some call "love at first sight." In the face of ALS, the couple moves forward together building mountains of support around them.
Despite divorce amidst the ALS diagnosis, Gladys and Hector Villalobos remain friends and proud grandparents. Their hearts remain full of love for their family.
Connecting ALS recently sat down with Sarah Trott to learn more about her experience as an ALS caregiver for her father who recently lost his battle with ALS, and better understand the challenges with grief she has experienced and the steps she is taking to overcome her terrible loss.
Elizabeth Bradley lost her husband Woody to ALS, and has used his passing as inspiration to pursue a Master of Science in Psychology.
To complete her research project, she needs survey responses soon!
We recently spoke with Joan and Tony Nolting about their personal experience living with ALS and attending an ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence. After experiencing mild breathing symptoms and slurred speech, Tony was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS in September of 2020, just five days after his 63rd birthday.
Connecting ALS recently sat down with Ann Larson to learn more about her experience as an ALS caregiver for her beloved husband Dave, and better understand the challenges she encountered during their three-year journey with the disease.
Dr. Heidi Tarr Henson, a Massachusetts woman recently diagnosed with ALS, shares her reflection on how to handle life with ALS and end of life discussions.
My husband’s ALS journey is not unique. It started with weakness in his left leg, and a few other puzzling issues which he began to note around 2010. We didn’t do anything about it until October 2012, when things got more puzzling.
When your loved one receives a diagnosis of ALS, you transition into a new role as a caregiver. This may happen gradually over time, or quickly, catching you off guard and possibly unprepared. Regardless of where you are in your caregiving journey, who better to accept advice, guidance and emotional support from than other families and caregivers who are living through similar experiences?
My husband's ALS diagnosis didn’t explain the symptoms I was seeing. I searched the internet late at night and concluded that he also had Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Symptoms of FTD include a loss of empathy and executive function, an increase in inappropriate actions, a lack of judgement and inhibition.
The Association provides free online access to a variety of options, including publications, videos, books, and informative websites that provide a wealth of easy-to-access information on important topics relevant for people living with ALS and their caregivers.
Over a year ago, Sophia Harding became a volunteer for The ALS Association, a fourth-generation member of the Barnett family to join the fight against ALS. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she moved to Florida and joined the team at The ALS Association Florida Chapter as a Phone Friend Volunteer.
The ALS Association Florida Chapter recaps fiscal year 2020-21 by discussing accomplishments made that drive forward our vision and some fundraising/event downfalls due to COVID-19.
As Feeding Tube Awareness Week comes to a close, we spoke with Brenda and Kelly Kraft and asked them to share their family’s story about their personal experience with making this difficult decision, and the relief they felt once they had made it.