Angie's Battle (ALS)

 　 Angie Parker Brown is a mother of nine year old twin daughters, a daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend. In June of 2018 she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease), a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe In the summer of 2016, Angie noticed a difference in her right foot, and by the fall of 2017 she noticed she had drop foot. Then by the summer of 2018, her right leg wasn’t keeping up with her left leg and was causing her to trip and fall. After multiple visits with her primary care physician, he referred Angie to a neurologist. Within six months of seeing a neurologist, Angie was diagnosed with ALS. Initially, Angie choose to keep this diagnosis private, only telling her immediate family and a few friends. She wanted the time to explain ALS to her children, and give them the chance to process what ALS is and what it will mean in the future. This crippling disease can strike anyone, and presently there is no known cure. No one knows how long Angie’s fight will last, however we know she has the will and determination to battle as long as she is able. Angie plans on being around for another 10 plus years, and beat the odds of the average life expectancy of an ALS patient, which is two to five years. Angie will now require things that you wouldn’t typically think about, such as widening doorways, renovating the bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair accessible shower and adding ramps. This doesn’t include the need for power wheelchairs, a specialized van, and technological devices to cope with her failing body and in the future, in home nursing/care. None of this is covered by insurance. As Angie’s family and friends know, she has a strong positive mental attitude and a passion for life with the wit to back it up! So as difficult and sad as this diagnosis is, Angie remains positive and gathers strength from the outpouring of love and well-wishes from everyone. It is hard to put into words exactly what it’s like to be near our Angie. Her infectious smile and warm personality make you happy just to be in her presence. Any contribution big or small will be greatly appreciated by Angie and her family. We also believe in the power of prayer, so please say a prayer for our Ang.