Joe Gregory: Beat ALS

When Joe Gregory, at age 35, started having some left arm weakness, difficulty swallowing, and slurred speech, the first fear he and his wife, Melanie, had was “stroke.” A trip to the emergency room allayed that fear, but after seeing four neurologists and undergoing many tests, Joe was officially diagnosed with Bulbar and Spinal ALS.

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a devastating motor neuron disease that impairs the muscles for walking, speaking, and breathing. Right now there is no cure for ALS and once diagnosed the progression to  complete paralysis and death is 2 1/2-5 years. A new treatment from Japan, Radicava, has been shown to slow the progression of symptoms by 30%. While the search for a cure continues, this treatment could give Joe and his young family the gift of more time.

Joe  has been doing Lunasin treatment, and was able to go to Johns Hopkins for Radicava treatments. It is very expensive, and insurance will cover some of the cost; but the Gregorys have a tough road ahead with treatment expenses, trips to Johns Hopkins, and, as the disease progresses, more medical treatments and home therapy.

Your prayers and financial support will help lighten this load for Joe, Melanie, and their four beautiful children.

Joe knows what he’s facing, and fighting. And all with joy.  He has always  been one to give joy to those around him; and true to form, he wants to make this, too, a journey of joy.  As he says, each day is a blessing, and the love and support that he has received from family and friends has convinced him that he is the luckiest man on the face of this earth!