Kathleen McMath’s Journey with ALS

This past Christmas Eve, our sister and our mother, Kathleen McMath’s diagnosis of ALS was confirmed at the Healey Center for ALS at Mass General Hospital. For those of you that are not familiar with this disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a disease which causes the death of brain cells controlling voluntary muscles. It may begin with weakness in the arms, legs or difficulty with speaking or swallowing. Most people eventually lose the ability to walk, use their hands, speak, swallow and breath. Presently there is no cure for ALS.

Unfortunately, Kathy already has developed significant weakness in her legs and lower body. She can only walk very short distances with the aid of foot / ankle braces and a walker. She now needs to use a wheelchair outside of her house. Kathleen has great difficulty maneuvering her body in her bed making it almost impossible to roll from side to side, sit up or lift her legs. She is unable to get up from a chair or toilet without the use of aids. She is also unable to climb stairs any longer without the using a chair lift. Kathy needs physical help to complete most self care tasks such as bathing and dressing. These are basic life skills that most of us take for granted!

Kathy has always been a caring, vibrant and extremely funny person who loves life. For the last several years she has been helping her daughters by caring for her grandchildren. Last Fall Kathy was well enough to go Trick or Treating and apple picking with her grandkids. For many years Kathy was a realtor, and she was also a board member at Lifebridge in Salem, MA.  Kathy also owned, operated and consulted with thrift stores focused on raising monies for people in need. Kathy’s philosophy has always been you get the most when you’re giving or helping others.

ALS is a devasting disease that is unrelenting. Our hope is that the quality of Kathy’s life can be preserved for as long as possible. We would like to see Kathy be able to continue to participate in the lives of her children and grandchildren and be able to attend family events and do the things she enjoys. Currently it is nearly impossible for Kathy to get in and out of a car even with help. We’re hoping family and friends will help us raise money for a wheelchair accessible vehicle and other medical / personal supplies that she will need.

Any donation that you can make will be greatly appreciated by Kathy and our family.

Thank you!

Caitlyn, Hayley, Amy and Jennifer (daughters)
Ann, Joanne, Margaret (sisters)