A Best Friend’s Wish

This was not supposed to happen! My best friend since childhood, the big guy with the big heart and big personality, who never got sick. And then five years ago, he was diagnosed with ALS, one of the most despicable diseases ever known? How did this happen to the greatest friend I will ever have? We have a connection that is stronger than brotherhood.

I can remember being filled with confusion and anxiety initially, but more so, fear and anger. I mean, “dying young” is an oxymoron, right? How is it possible to be dying and young? We had just played football with the guys in his backyard that past summer, it was a favorite tradition that we had done since we were kids.

And what was going to happen to our small town dreams? We had plans to get our own apartment together, go fishing, hit the road and travel, be each other’s best man at our weddings, have children that would play together, and eventually sit in rocking chairs, reminiscing and laughing about all of the crazy things we did when we were young?

Although I felt helpless that I couldn’t take away Aaron’s illness, I decided I needed to put my own feelings aside and be there for him through this devastating disease. I wanted to be a light in Aaron’s darkness. I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he would do the same for me. For five years, I have spent every weekend with him, and I travel out of town and out of state for doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, leisure activities, ALS walks, vacations, and family gatherings; you name it, I’ll be there for Aaron.

All I want for Christmas this year is to see Aaron continue to live and be well, until a cure is discovered. That’s what ALS Worldwide is all about. When they learned of his diagnosis, they promised to do whatever they could to help, without charging for anything.

Money is always tight for Aaron’s family, because his mom had to quit her job to take care of him. But generous people like [ALS Worldwide supporters] help them pay for critically needed experimental drugs still in trial, beneficial prescriptions, medical devices and equipment, and even adaptations to make his home more accessible.

Aaron is the most kindhearted person I know and he deserves to live longer and better.

By Chris Baxter, Kentucky