Help Adam-Up!
Donation protected
Adam, Hollie and Joshua Caldwell - We Will Not Give Up Yet!
Words by: Adam Caldwell
"I've been slowly losing movement in my body for the last 3 and a half years. I am positive for Lyme and was hoping that was the cause. I knew it could be ALS and my dad has just died of ALS, but being human I tried to stop this anyway possible. I refused to believe I have ALS. But if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its probably a duck.I finally broke down and went to UC Irvine MDS/ALS Clinic, which is one of the best ALS places in the country and they said 'Adam, you are crazy, there is no doubt whatsoever, you have ALS.' Since then I have quit trying all the crazy cures and trying to find some other cause for this."
"But I have not given up. I have such a hunger to live and am so happy to be alive with my wonderful and supportive wife Hollie and our 5 year old son Josh.I have adopted him right before Christmas last year. I think of it this way, I want to be the longest living person ever with ALS or even better, I want to be the ultra rare person with ALS that it reverses on its own. Its happened, why not for me?! But least of all I'm trying to have as much fun as I can before I go. The only good point about ALS is you have a long time to say goodbye and let the people you care about know that you love them. Its not like you gone in a flash and no more you. Each one of you reading this has had a great part in my life. So thank you to all of you for making my life a one of a kind carnival ride. Its been awesome and I hope to have a bunch more of it."
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the mean time it costs an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate today.
"Legs" By: Adam Caldwell
My legs don't listen to me any more
My hands forgot what my fingers are for.
My lungs can't seem to hold any air
None of this seems very fair.
My necks not up to the task at hand
My head feels like 50 pounds of sand.
My muscles are all shrunk and dwindled
I feel like I've been robbed and swindled.
My voice has almost joined the void
Good thing I have two thumbs and an android!
Love is something that will never strain
It eases the hurt and the anger and pain.
Spirit is one thing they can't take away
And I've got plenty some people would say.
I remember as bad as it gets you see
That there's always someone worse than me.
So I'll finish my life just like I started
And cherish every moment until we're parted.
"Astronaut" By: Adam Caldwell
I'm an astronaut crashed in a strange new world,
My legs don't work here and my fingers are curled.
I can't breath so there's a hose across my face,
My body doesn't move here in this dark alien place.
But there's an angel making sure that I'm alright,
From the dark she brought me out into the light.
She keeps me strong and gives me hope to live,
She gives me everything her heart can give.
I'll never leave this place where I have landed,
I'll make the best of this world I've been handed.
If you find yourself out in space floating free,
I hope you're as lucky as an astronaut like me!
I love you Hollie!
"The long Goodbye" By: Adam Caldwell
Trapped in a body that used to be mine, Hoping and praying that thing's work out fine
Seeing my loved ones concern in their eye, Wondering when or how fast I may die.
Friends come and visit and see things are grim, Leave thinking is this the last time we'll see him?
Saying goodbye means a whole lot more, Lots of crying occurs when they go out the door.
My son is so special I hold him so dear, Will he remember when I'm no longer here?
Love is the answer you've heard it before, With it what you give you get back so much more.
I hope when I'm gone for quite a long while, When you think of this guy you end up with a smile!
But I'm not ready to leave this world yet, My imminent death in stone is not set!
So I'm still here and I've been given some time, for a long goodbye like to make this rhyme.
Words by: Adam Caldwell "I've been slowly losing movement in my body for the last 3 and a half years. I am positive for Lyme and was hoping that was the cause. I knew it could be ALS and my dad has just died of ALS, but being human I tried to stop this anyway possible. I refused to believe I have ALS. But if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its probably a duck.I finally broke down and went to UC Irvine MDS/ALS Clinic, which is one of the best ALS places in the country and they said 'Adam, you are crazy, there is no doubt whatsoever, you have ALS.' Since then I have quit trying all the crazy cures and trying to find some other cause for this."
"But I have not given up. I have such a hunger to live and am so happy to be alive with my wonderful and supportive wife Hollie and our 5 year old son Josh.I have adopted him right before Christmas last year. I think of it this way, I want to be the longest living person ever with ALS or even better, I want to be the ultra rare person with ALS that it reverses on its own. Its happened, why not for me?! But least of all I'm trying to have as much fun as I can before I go. The only good point about ALS is you have a long time to say goodbye and let the people you care about know that you love them. Its not like you gone in a flash and no more you. Each one of you reading this has had a great part in my life. So thank you to all of you for making my life a one of a kind carnival ride. Its been awesome and I hope to have a bunch more of it."
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the mean time it costs an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate today.
"Legs" By: Adam Caldwell
My legs don't listen to me any more
My hands forgot what my fingers are for.
My lungs can't seem to hold any air
None of this seems very fair.
My necks not up to the task at hand
My head feels like 50 pounds of sand.
My muscles are all shrunk and dwindled
I feel like I've been robbed and swindled.
My voice has almost joined the void
Good thing I have two thumbs and an android!
Love is something that will never strain
It eases the hurt and the anger and pain.
Spirit is one thing they can't take away
And I've got plenty some people would say.
I remember as bad as it gets you see
That there's always someone worse than me.
So I'll finish my life just like I started
And cherish every moment until we're parted.
"Astronaut" By: Adam Caldwell
I'm an astronaut crashed in a strange new world,
My legs don't work here and my fingers are curled.
I can't breath so there's a hose across my face,
My body doesn't move here in this dark alien place.
But there's an angel making sure that I'm alright,
From the dark she brought me out into the light.
She keeps me strong and gives me hope to live,
She gives me everything her heart can give.
I'll never leave this place where I have landed,
I'll make the best of this world I've been handed.
If you find yourself out in space floating free,
I hope you're as lucky as an astronaut like me!
I love you Hollie!
"The long Goodbye" By: Adam Caldwell
Trapped in a body that used to be mine, Hoping and praying that thing's work out fine
Seeing my loved ones concern in their eye, Wondering when or how fast I may die.
Friends come and visit and see things are grim, Leave thinking is this the last time we'll see him?
Saying goodbye means a whole lot more, Lots of crying occurs when they go out the door.
My son is so special I hold him so dear, Will he remember when I'm no longer here?
Love is the answer you've heard it before, With it what you give you get back so much more.
I hope when I'm gone for quite a long while, When you think of this guy you end up with a smile!
But I'm not ready to leave this world yet, My imminent death in stone is not set!
So I'm still here and I've been given some time, for a long goodbye like to make this rhyme.
Organizer
Adam Caldwell
Organizer
Camarillo, CA
