If you have watched Television or YouTube in the last couple of years, you’ve likely seen hundreds of people engaging in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral event designed to bring awareness to ALS.   You may even be familiar with some notable people who have been diagnosed with ALS; include baseball great Lou Gehrig, theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author Stephen Hawking, Hall of Fame pitcher Jim "Catfish" Hunter, Toto bassist Mike Porcaro, actor David Niven, and “Sesame Street” creator Jon Stone, to name a few.

Having known and worked with Liz for the better part of  the last 10 years, I could see that things were beginning to change for her, even before a diagnosis was offered by her doctor.  Just last week, it was official, we found out that she has ALS.   Like many of you, I had seen the “Ice Bucket Challenges” – but unless you witness a friend and co-worker begin to fight this disease on a daily basis, you simply cannot comprehend the intensity with which ALS attacks.  I first noticed her mobility change, then her voice became weakened, and most recently there are times when her breathing is labored and forced. 

 There are approximately 6,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed with ALS each year, with an estimated 20,000 Americans living with ALS at any given time.   The onset often results in muscle weakness or stiffness as early symptoms sets in, and progressing to paralysis of the muscles of the limbs and trunk, affecting the control of vital functions like speech, swallowing and eventually breathing.   You can see that as this disease takes hold, there will be significant costs for medical care, equipment and in-home healthcare.

Despite these changes, and obvious struggles with activities we all take for granted, Liz continues to come into the office to support her projects, her peers and works to provide value every day.

Liz is fighting this hard, feeling fortunate that the work she does is fulfilling for her.  “I feel as though I am contributing to a greater good by working…that I can help others with my work keeps me going.”  She is adamant about not giving into this disease.  She wants to continue to go into work each day, as long as her legs will carry her, and then work from home on those days that the energy isn’t on her side. 

Liz is starting to take steps to simplify and prepare for this new phase in her life.  She is looking for a condo without stairs, so that she can move around more easily, and is planning on keeping her dogs as long as she can – they are a part of her. 

She is well aware of medical billing that will begin to come in, and has her friend Deborah helping with beginning to list her valuables on eBay and craigslist as a way to build up funds to cover expenses that will likely become overwhelming.

When asked if money was not an issue, what would bring her joy, she simply offered this:

“I would love to site on the beach one more time, the ocean has always been in my blood. Even just a weekend away with Mike…”

If you know Liz; you know how much she care for others, helps others, supports others and sets aside her own needs in prioritizing for someone else.   If you believe in “The Golden Rule” - treating others the way you would like to be treated, Liz embodies this selflessly.  She has spent a lifetime working to support others, and the untimely challenge that she is up against demands that we step up and provide her with the help and support that she needs, that she deserves, as she faces the battle of her life, for her life.

Please help in any way that you can, and consider sharing on your social media sites -- this is a cause worth sharing. 

Please join us in helping Liz fight ALS!