Welcome to my blog. I have had ALS for 10 years now.


Since I started this blog in June 2008 I've had amazing feedback. Family, friends, people from all over North America, Australia, Scotland, England, and places I can't recall, have commented, encouraged and corresponded. I had no idea when Cynthia taught me how to set this up, how much I would love posting and how many people would read it. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has helped propel this therapeutic exercise into a daily routine. All of you, both friends and visitors, are now part of my blog family. Welcome.

From Go Pro

From Go Pro
View from my living room

Wednesday, August 24, 2011


Monday, August 22, 2011

Researchers Discover Underlying Cause of Lou Gehrig's Disease


Scientists have long struggled to identify the underlying disease process of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and weren't even sure that a common disease process was associated with all forms of ALS.

In this new study, Northwestern University researchers said they found that the basis of ALS is a malfunctioning protein recycling system in the neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Efficient recycling of the protein building blocks in the neurons are critical for optimal functioning of the neurons. They become severely damaged when they can't repair or maintain themselves.

This problem occurs in all three types of ALS: hereditary, sporadic and ALS that targets the brain, the researchers said.

The discovery, published Aug. 21 in the journal Nature, shows that all forms of ALS share an underlying cause and offers a common target for drug therapy, according to the researchers.

"This opens up a whole new field for finding an effective treatment for ALS," study senior author Dr. Teepu Siddique, of the Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, said in a university news release. "We can now test for drugs that would regulate this protein pathway or optimize it, so it functions as it should in a normal state."

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

I'm alive!


I've been in a bit of a slump(literally) lately as I have a hard time keeping my body and head upright. I use a support around my neck and tilt my chair back. As you can see by the picture, I'm still beautiful. LOL. However I don't type as much, hence the lack of blog posts. I still love you all and will try to keep in touch as best I can.

It's about time we respect a suffering individual's right to die.

ALS sufferer Gloria Taylor (seated) wants to choose when she will die and have a doctor assist her.

Photograph by: Wayne Leidenfrost - PNG, The Province

A repost but I admire her courage and tenacity--I hope she wins.



Read more:http://www.theprovince.com/news/Grandma+wants+with+dignity/5021752/story.html#ixzz1TzQ94W5W

Monday, August 1, 2011

A walk along False Creek







Anne and I went on a photo excursion and these are a few of our favourites. It will probably be my last summer using my camera.
I am a realist and am aware of my ALS progression rate. However, I will show my Carer or friend what I want them to photograph. I will be the eye and they, the shooter.