8/21/2024


Paul attended a routine neurology appointment scheduled for significant pain, numbness and tingling in his feet. After spending 2 hours at KU with Dr.Jawdat discussing his symptoms, performing an EMG, and further evaluating different functions of his body, Dr.Jawdat shared with our family that he suspected Paul’s symptoms to be related to ALS.

He stated in his exam that he was concerned, in conjunction to an extensive family history of ALS, Paul’s cognitive symptoms, bulbar weakness, and hand weakness are due to an underlying motor neuron disease. His exam showed weakness in facial muscles, tongue weakness and slow movement, soft and breathy speech, and over reactive reflexes. Though the EMG was not supportive of an official diagnosis the clinical exam provided enough evidence to move forward with labs, genetic testing, and further evaluation with the ALS clinic.



9/3/2024



Annye received a call from Dr.Jawdat that the gene they were testing for was present. During this call, Dr.Jawdat confirmed that Paul has been diagnosed with ALS and will follow up with the ALS clinic on 9/16 where they will walk our family through what this means in further detail and what resources are available to help navigate this disease and provide Paul comfort during this time. In the meantime, we are appreciative of the constant love, thoughts, and prayers we have received and continue to receive. We know our strength is in the Lord and in a time full of uncertainty we trust His plan is greater.

As we navigate this journey as a family we do intend to see needs arise from a financial standpoint as we seek to provide Paul with the care he needs including therapies, medical equipment, and any further testing. Annye is doing her best to take time off and increase the quality time with Paul she is blessed with. And both Nathan and I have planned to take extensive time off, travel back and forth, and hire dog and house sitters to make that work.

We appreciate the willingness to give and continue to help us in tangible ways but our greatest need continues to be prayer as we navigate this journey together as a family.

All our love… Howell & Davis Family