Joy, Satisfaction, & Making Peace by Kris Cady, Wisconsin

I always felt very lucky in life—a true believer in fate and destiny. Never in my wildest dreams (nightmares) did I ever envision my destiny hurling me into life with a horrible motor neuron disease.

I spent my free time gardening, cooking, and dabbling in amateur photography. I enjoyed my job as a graphic designer. I loved planning special outings with my grandchildren, volunteering together at our local zoo. I loved walking, biking, swimming, and running. I hit the two-mile mark on my 50th birthday.

Because of ALS, I can no longer do most of those things I love. I earned my second tech school degree when I was 56, specializing in photography and video. Ironically, I now can barely hold my camera steady enough to snap a picture or shoot a video.

After months of frustrating, “it might be this…” discussions with a variety of doctors, I was finally diagnosed in January 2016 with probable limb onset ALS. I went through the gamut of emotions: fear, anger, resentment, discouragement, frustration, worry, confusion, and sadness. In my seemingly endless hours of searches to find something that might help, one website, ALS Worldwide, had answers to many of my questions. Doubtful I would be able to really connect with someone that could make a difference for me, I hesitated, but ultimately contacted them. The response was almost immediate and before long I had my first FaceTime interview. It filled me with renewed hope.

I soon came to the realization that ALS Worldwide really truly cares about me! On my most recent visit to my neurologist in Madison, Wisconsin, Barbara took time out of her busy schedule to come and meet with my family and me personally. She listened intently as I poured out my fears and frustrations.

Barbara convinced me that even though I can’t do the same things I’ve always done, I can re-channel my energy into other things that will bring me joy and satisfaction. She told me it’s ok to feel and accept all my emotions, even the negative ones. I now realize I still have things ALS can’t steal from me. I still have eyes to see the beautiful world around me, a mind that can envision alternative solutions to do everyday tasks, a circle of wonderful family and friends surrounding me with love.

It’s up to me to walk my path. And I now have ALS Worldwide by my side.

By Kris Cady, Wisconsin