Ralph Brooks vs Lou Gehrig ALS

In this past year, my life has taken major a turn. We all know that God works in mysterious ways, and in time changes comes with age. Well Little did I know that I had been living with early signs of ALS, which is considered to be a Terminal Neuromuscular Disease.   

January 2018, I started noticing changes in my health and my speech. I knew that it was time to see a Physician or specialist to see what was happening.
That’s when I was referred to see a  Neurologist here in Monterey, CA.  The Specialiast conducted  several nerve/physical bodily tests, and finally broke the news to me & my family...
“Mr. Brooks, you a very rare disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as the Lou Gehrig Disease.”  I am 56 yrs old, how can this be possible? This is not genetic. This is not anything I was expecting! From the noticeable changes in my speech, my left arm became paralyzed, my energy levels were very low,  my inability to eat or swallow has caused me to lose over 68 lbs. since January.



I’ve came to the realization that I’m battling this rapid aggressive disease, and not only am I suffering, but family is suffering even more . I am currently under the care of an amazing hospital, with very caring nurses and physicians who look after me 24/7.

The decrease in my health and nutrition has forced me to need a peg/feeding tube. I now have to sleep with a respiratory support machine everyday for the rest of my life. Soon I will need special equipment that has been designed for people with ALS, in order to communicate such as an Eye tracking Technology : The Eye Gaze Edge.  

I am emotionally struggling with the changes in my health from this disease, and now it has lead to the point where my family is struggling financially, due to my disability to work and provide as a the man of the household.  ALS has gotten me to the point where I am drowning in medical costs due to multiple Dr. appointments and special treatments that are necessary for my disease.  

Over this past year, several of my friends often mentioned that it would be a great idea to create my own “goFundMe” page, and  encouraged me to share my story.  

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and if you or someone that you know is also suffering with this rare disease, just know that everyday me and my family are constantly praying that someday soon, the world will find the cure to ALS. 
I am asking for your Prayers and Love and Help. 

Going the distance with ALS is no fun ride, but if we all share our stories and Keep the Faith & Prayers for Healing Up, Together we can fight for a Cure and save lives.