 By Ryan Arata November 12, 2007
I am in an electric wheelchair with the help of an expensive rampvan for outside trips and the use of a walker around the house. The walker would be too tiring outside. I am not in denial of this deadly disease as I keep exercising most every day. I have been through research programs at Duke and hope to get more chances as they become available. I have lost my speaking voice to this dread disease. I get help from a speaking device attached to the wheelchair. So far I can eat most anything through my mouth although I have a feeding tube installed through my stomach I will be able to use when the time arrives. I thank Medicare and the MDS for paying for the wheelchair and speaking device. Unfortunately nobody helps out with the very expensive van converted to a rampvan which is necessary to use the wheelchair. I thank the good Lord every morning I wake up and able to see the green grass. I hope this means something to ALS patients. I wear a red bracelet which says " Never Give Up" . I look at it every day. I hope something is found to stem the tide before it is too late. If not for me but for someone coming after me. God bless you all, Ryan Arata Received November 09, 2007 - Published November 12, 2007 Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews. Your full name, city and state are required for publication.
|
