Sandy Cherishes Each Day

In June 2015, I was sitting alone in my doctor’s office, waiting on the results of an EMG. I was focusing on positive thoughts when into the room they walk, box of tissue in-hand. I’m thinking ‘this can’t be good.’

My doctor starts talking; I hear Progressive Bulbar Palsy. All the while, I’m smiling and looking at that box of tissues. I’m a ‘WebMD-er,’ so I knew about Bulbar-Onset ALS. ‘No, I don’t have that,’ I thought to myself. ‘I’m a 45-year old woman, I exercise, and I’m rarely sick. They got it wrong.’

I did not shed a tear, just kept smiling until I got to my car. It took me a while to tell my family because I just couldn’t say my diagnosis out loud. Only after I received a second opinion did I even think, ‘Hey, this might be real.’

I’ve always had a strong Christian faith to get me through. Yet, this path is hard. I have times when I don’t want to get out of bed. I get frustrated not being able to comb my hair or dress myself. I can still walk and talk a little, but I can no longer live alone and maintain my home. My mom, two sons, and a slew of relatives and friends help me push on. I’m praying I can beat this, and I will keep fighting. I’m ‘living while I’m living.’ Everyday is a gift.

“It’s now been two years from my ALS diagnosis date and over three years since I noticed my first symptoms.

While my lifestyle has changed my mindset hasn’t. Even though I no longer wake up in my own home, I awake with the same resilient attitude of hope. I’m walking and talking a little slower and can not prepare my own meals but I still crack a joke or two and keep on smiling.

I’m approaching each day as an opportunity. Every day I am grateful to have a family and friends who not only push me but encourage me. There is no way I can exist without their support.

I’m also thankful for groups like ALS Worldwide that provide information and resources that actually help me.

My ALS diagnosis is not my death sentence it’s my awakening to living my life.

By Sandy Waller, Virginia, USA