Smiles. Laughter. The Beginning.
Determined. Loyalty. Family.
Brad, Pam, and Caitlin pushed on searching for answers. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks a person's spinal cord and brain. Specifically, the motor neurons affect a person's ability to control their muscles. As time passed on, Brad's legs started showing symptoms of the disease taking its toll. Even after a few months, Brad struggles with walking. Brad has to use a walker or a scooter to get around, and every so often, he has difficulty talking, and his speech slurred. But, ALS is a speed bump and Brad continues to fight through it.
Fighting. Hope. Faith.
Brad's family has been trying everything they can to help him. Essential oils have been a starting point to provide him with as much comfort as possible. When Brad started losing his motor ability, daily tasks became an uphill battle. And the things millions of people take for granted like driving seemed impossible. But, ALS wouldn't control Brad's life or his ability to do everyday tasks. Brad now drives a car using hand controls and goes to physical therapy to try and build his leg strength. No disease can define someone, and Brad is a perfect example of that.
Awareness. Progress. Breakthrough.
ALS awareness boomed through a fundraising campaign called the Ice Bucket Challenge. Due to the millions of dollars fundraised, scientists have now had a breakthrough with how ALS attacks the body. Scientists believe that the affected areas deal with a protein in the brain, called TDP-43. Scientists believe that they can fix these proteins and help stop the progression of the disease and hopefully one day find a cure.
Reflection. Action. Stand Up.
ALS affects thousands of people and their lives. It is a horrific disease that over the years gave no hope to families and their future. But, now we have hope: for patients, for families, for people like Brad who day in and day out continue to fight for their body and strength. I admire and look up to Brad and the thousands of people affected, for they are the true heroes and examples of hope.
