This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible bonds within the Team Gleason community – spouses, caregivers, family members, and more – who show unwavering love and strength while navigating life with ALS. These stories are a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unbreakable connections that carry us through even the toughest moments.

Jim was not only my husband, he was my best friend. While I hate that we received an ALS diagnosis in Sept. of 2018 and lost him 20 months later, the phrase “it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all” will always echo in my head.

Jim was kind, funny, smart, talented and caring, and he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. I thank God his love was so big that it can last us a lifetime. Loving you and missing you everyday, Jim.

Absolutely wonderful and beautiful person 

RN in charge of Mom and baby

Loved everyone   

He is the kindest and sweetest person ever! He takes good care of me and we have been making almost 45 years. I am truly blessed to have him.

My name is Janet Simpson. My love is Gary Hatfield. We’re not married , but have been together for 20 years.

He’s my everything, and he’s doing  so much for me. I love him because he’s been with me 20 years. Together we’ve raised two grandchildren. (Biologically mine) but he’s been here since they were born.

Then I had to make a big decision to either let the kids go to foster care or step up and care for them. Gary was there every court date and on the day I got custody. He’s their hero and mine. Now I have ALS, he bathes me, does laundry, helps in the house (he lives a mile away).

My Valentine is my wife, Debbie Rose.

She loves flamingos — their loyalty, their strength in numbers, their unmistakable beauty, and of course their bold pink color. Pink has always been her color, fitting for a woman whose middle name is Rose.

In 2025, at the ALS Walk, she led her own 1.5-mile journey in a power wheelchair gifted to her by the Team Gleason Foundation. Surrounded by a flock of flamingos that followed her every move, she wasn’t being pushed — she was leading.

Just like flamingos stand tall together, Debbie has faced ALS with grace, courage, and the strength of her flock behind her. That chair wasn’t just mobility — it was freedom, dignity, and independence.

Loving her has shaped my life in ways I can’t fully express. She has taught me that it’s not about whether you win the battle — it’s about how fiercely you love and how hard you fight.

Brett (B.J.) has been the love of my life since the first day I saw him.

He has always been my saving grace and my angel.

He is strong when I am not, he keeps me young at heart.

We have been together for 25 yrs and have built a life with children and grandchildren.

A business to be proud of and a home that will always keep our family safe with a love to come home to.

Even now, with my ALS Diagnosis, he stands by me and cheers me on to fight. He encourages the changes  are okay, when I fall apart and we are in this together.

He is my life line, my heart and my love. 

Colin was my best friend for 35 years. He was the kindest and most big-hearted human I’ve ever had the privilege to know.

His determination to live a life full of love, even through the worst of ALS, was a testament to his character.

I’m so grateful for every moment we had together on this mortal plane. Until we meet again, dear one…

Cortland is only 11½ months younger than his big brother, Jamieson. Being so close in age, they have always been competitive, pushing each other in everything they did.

But when Jim — 38 years old, 6’5”, and a rugby player for over 15 years — was diagnosed with ALS, that competition turned into something even stronger: unwavering loyalty.

Cort dropped everything. He quit his job, moved back home from another state, and became Jim’s full-time caregiver. He has been by his side every single day.

He’s taken on projects to make Jim’s life easier and more comfortable. Before Jim’s breathing worsened, Cort took him swimming every day — determined to help him hold onto strength and freedom for as long as possible.

I am proud to be their mom

Today I hold your right hand tight,
But unsure where to place your cares rest.
I only wish to tell you now, the seeds you planted long ago,
Have blossomed richly along the paths we go.

I’ll type the keyboard in your stead,
Continue the fairytales within your head.
I’ll take your razor, marked by your touch,
For your daily dignity, shaving morning stubble carefully.

Even if tomorrow you grow frailer still,
Wherever you wander, I’ll follow at will.
Once more we’ll feel the seasons’ embrace,
Let morning’s first light fall softly in our hands,
guiding the way to our heart’s resting place.

Fear not, my right hand,
You led me bravely through life’s fiery forge.
Now let me steady and lift with you,
Together we’ll raise this undying torch.

(August 2025)

Through all of our 43 years together you have always been there when I’ve needed you. 

You have happily shared my big moments and sympathized in the not so great moments. 

When the ALS diagnosis hit, it hit us both.

Your love and caring are unwavering.  I’m a lucky guy to have you as my wife and caregiver.

I can’t imagine any other way.  I love you, Joene.

My husband, Jim, and I have been married for 30 years.

We met through a mutual friend in the early ’90s, and I knew right away that he was the one for me!

I love his sense of humor, his MacGyver-level ability to invent or fix absolutely anything I need, and his ability to make just about anything we do fun.

He has always been my greatest supporter, and I am so deeply grateful for his love and steady presence.

Throughout all the challenges life has brought us — including ALS — we have remained devoted to one another, forever and always ❤️.

Why I love them: Suzanne and I married in June of 1986 and she has been a perfect partner, friend, mother and most recently grandmother.

She is a retired Kindergarten teacher and the mother of our two wonderful sons, and was tragically diagnosed with ALS in the late Summer of 2024.

She is now wheelchair-bound but keeping her spirits up.

She supported me and our children completely during my 21 year Navy career, which included numerous deployments, and I am now fully determined to support her completely in her continued journey.

Our Dad has been the biggest inspiration since his diagnosis.

He continues to smile, encourages others, fights every day for what he has and doesn’t focus on what he doesn’t have. We are so thankful for his kindness, love and support he continues to give us all.

We love you, Dad!

Love grows when someone shows up consistently, especially during hard times.  When I was diagnosed in March of 2025, the most devastating time in our marriage, his first words were when we caught our breaths were “I am here for you and I will take care of you now, and always”. 

He always shows up me, even when I do not have the strength or energy to reciprocate. He is a man of strength, loves our family deeply and fiercely, knows how to have fun & make me laugh… and always keeps his word!   I love him to the moon & back for this. 

Her arms were always open
when I needed a hug.
Her heart understood
when I needed a friend.
Her gentle eyes were stern
when I needed a lesson.
Her strength and love has guided me
and gave me wings to fly 

He is “one of the good ones.” I know it sounds cliche but it’s so true. He is a hard worker, has integrity and has always taken care of his family. Despite ALS, he continues to exhibit all those qualities.

He is also my best friend and makes me laugh most every day. We have been together over 30 years and I couldn’t have chosen anyone better to share this life with.

My parents have such a beautiful connection and unbreakable bond.

They are a true example of lasting love.

For over 30 years of marriage, they’ve stood by each others side and conquered whatever was in their path. Their love story is so inspiring to me and I am so proud of them.

He makes me feel safe on every level (physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.) He takes such great care of me and fights for every benefit available. He supports my dreams and beliefs even if they push him out of his comfort zone. He went to great lengths to get me to my happy place. 

I am manifesting a full reproducible recovery. As part of my vision I see myself on a TV set to promote my book and see myself in an all deep turquoise suit. We found the suit window shopping one night after hours!! Without hesitation he went to the store the next day and put the suit on reserve until he get me there. I can no longer dress myself so he took me in the dressing room and tried two sizes on me. He bought the best fit without even asking the price. He supported my dreams!! He also learned to make green juice for me. He’s incredible!

ALS friend and family.

Why I love them: Co-Sufferer

Jason and I met 11 years ago, and we just celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Through our marriage, we were each blessed with two bonus children, together making us a lucky family of six. When we first met, we quickly realized how many times our paths had unknowingly crossed. We had both ski raced in the same competitions as kids, he grew up in New Mexico and me in Colorado, and later even worked at the same place just as he was leaving and I was starting.

We met at exactly the moment we were supposed to. We instantly became friends and spent hours talking, laughing, and skiing together. Skiing was at the very top of the list. On weekends I was coaching for the competition center at a nearby mountain, and Jason would drive up whenever he could so we could take a few runs at the end of the day. During long weekends and holidays, we always made time to ski. Our love truly grew on the slopes. Spending entire days doing what we both loved was the best way to fall in love.

Jason is an optimist, and over the past few years I’ve needed his steady positive perspective more than ever. He’s always finding new ways for us to enjoy time together, sometimes puzzles, sometimes watching basketball on TV. These activities may be more still and indoors, but it turns out what matters most is simply being together. I love Jason with all my heart and could not ask for a more positive, honest, and dear friend to walk beside me on this uninvited journey.

Jerry has had ALS for 15 years now but he never stops smiling and says he is holding out for a cure. I pray for this every day for all of us !  We just try to keep doing the things that make him the happiest. He will always be My Valentine ❤️

He his faithful, trustworthy and my hero at this time of my life. May 25th 2026 we will be celebrating thirty years of marriage and I hope that we can have more.

​

When I met Tom, I instantly felt a connection. For over 33 years he has been my soulmate and the love of my life.

When we became parents to both the 4 legged and 2 legged, I saw him grow into his strength. He is a wonderful father to our 3 kids and many pets absolutely adore him. He has a smile that brightens the room but yet mischievous. You can get lost in his blue eyes and get pulled in to his love of everything UF Gators. His passion for his Alma mater bled to all 3 of our children becoming and graduating from Gator Nation. 

He could build and fix anything. Today he teaches all of us. He can be quiet and then surprise you with words that inspire or make you laugh. Even today we find joy, laughter and love. He teaches me about strength that I never thought I had. I still get lost in his eyes and butterflies when I get a glance of him from across the room.

​

Rick had the most beautiful smile, so warm and welcoming. 

It was his friendliness that was so attractive to me.

This is my first Valentine’s Day without him.

I will cherish those blue eyes in my heart on this day of love.

My husband Eric is my Valentine’s Day love story. We went to high school together but didn’t start dating til after college.

We will be married 33 years in May. 

He retired early to be my full-time caregiver, chauffeur, chef, and best friend through this journey we call ALS.   

I am incredibly grateful for my caregivers, as each one plays a vital role in my life, bringing their unique qualities and unwavering support. Their kindness, patience, and understanding make my days brighter and more manageable. One caregiver might be my source of comfort when I need someone to talk to, while another provides the physical care I need, always with a gentle touch and attention to detail. They help me navigate the challenges I face, and their presence offers me both emotional and practical support.

I feel deeply fortunate to have them by my side, as their love and dedication create a safe, nurturing environment that allows me to thrive. Their care goes beyond tasks; it’s a reflection of the genuine compassion they bring to everything they do for me.

As I sit here at my desk, reflecting on everything that has come before, I realize something undeniable: Don’s life, his illness, and the journey we shared together have left an indelible mark on my heart. His legacy is not just in the things he accomplished or the life we built—it’s in the love that remains. It’s in the lessons that are now woven into the fabric of who I am, and who I will continue to be. 

When I think about Don, I no longer only think of the ALS, the tubes, the doctor’s visits, the difficult days. Instead, I think about the man who loved deeply, laughed loudly, and fought tirelessly—both in his battles with the disease and in the way he lived his life. I think about the man who never let anything define him except his integrity, his love for family, and his unwavering desire to be the best man he could be, even in the face of a terminal illness. 

His legacy, I now see, isn’t just about how he fought ALS. It’s about how he lived. It’s about the strength he showed in the most vulnerable moments, the grace he exhibited even when the world seemed cruel. And it’s about the love he gave—unconditionally, deeply, and without hesitation. 

I will carry that love with me for the rest of my life. It’s a love that doesn’t fade with time. It doesn’t stop with death. It doesn’t end because we can no longer hold hands, share a laugh, or sit together in silence. The love we shared is still here, in my heart, in my memories, in the quiet moments of reflection that remind me of him every single day. And it is a love that will continue to shape who I am, even as I move forward without him physically by my side. 

Don’s legacy is also in the lessons he taught me. The biggest lesson of all, I think, is the importance of cherishing the small moments. We tend to rush through life, caught up in the noise and the chaos, but Don taught me that true beauty lies in the quiet moments—the ones we often overlook. The moments of connection, the laughter over a cup of coffee, the times when you hold hands without saying a word, simply knowing that you are there for one another. These are the moments that matter the most, and they are the ones I hold most dearly. 

I’ve also learned that love, real love, isn’t just about the good times—it’s about the hard times, too. It’s about showing up when everything else seems uncertain. It’s about being there, in sickness and in health, not because it’s easy, but because you are committed to the journey, no matter how difficult. Don’s illness tested me in ways I never expected, but it also deepened my understanding of love. Love isn’t always perfect. It isn’t always easy. But it is always worth it. 

I often think about how I will carry Don’s legacy forward. In the beginning, it felt impossible to imagine life without him. But now, I see that his legacy is alive in everything I do. It’s in the way I show up for the people I love. It’s in the kindness I offer to others, the patience I give, the laughter I share. It’s in the way I choose to live my life—not in spite of the pain, but because of it. 

Don’s battle with ALS changed me. It changed both of us. But the most beautiful part of that change is that it brought me closer to who I am meant to be. I’ve learned that I can face the hardest of challenges and still find meaning in the journey. I’ve learned that, even in loss, there is the opportunity for growth, for healing, for hope. 

As I continue on with my life, I do so with a sense of purpose—a purpose rooted in Don’s legacy. I know that he would want me to continue to live fully, to love deeply, and to find joy even in the face of hardship. And so, I will. Because, in the end, that’s what he taught me: life isn’t about avoiding pain or seeking perfection—it’s about embracing every moment, holding onto the love that remains, and carrying forward the lessons that come from the people we love the most. 

Don may no longer be physically here with me, but his legacy will continue to live on through me, through the people he touched, and through the love that will never die. 

This, I believe, is the greatest gift he could have given me—the knowledge that love is eternal, and that, in the end, love is what defines us. 

And so, I will honor Don’s legacy by living a life that reflects the love he gave to me—a life filled with kindness, laughter, and, most importantly, the unwavering belief that love is the greatest force in the world. 

#ALS #ALSawareness #love #LoveWhereYouLive. 

My husband, John Leshyn, and I met 53 years ago.

We were married 51 until pancreatic cancer took him away from me.

We created a beautiful family. Three daughters, 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grands.

Now I have bulbar ALS. It has been a difficult time not only for me but for them.

All of them have helped me. I am so thankful for their love! 

We met playing Words with Friends (scrabble) online. Back in 2016 we just hit a button to initiate a game, but instead Paul wrote that we were about the same level and did I want to play. I thought he was terrible, but I said sure. He later told me he had never asked woman to play before or after and I absolutely believe him. All he had to see was a tiny photo of me on the game. He was slow to discuss anything, but it was clear we liked each other. It took several months for me to agree that he could call me. By September, we really liked each other, and I booked a ticket to Australia. Then I got scared. I flew out at the beginning of December, and he introduced me to his friends and family. Many trips back and forth and we got married in January 2020. We love traveling but my ALS symptoms have gotten worse, so the last six months we’ve stayed near home. He supports unconditionally. I’m so glad he’s in my life. 

My husband is amazing.

We have had 22 amazing years together. The last year has been the hardest we have ever had to get through. Anytime I have a (you know) an oh my gosh, he has been there to do whatever it takes to get me through it.

ALS really makes you think about those vows we said to each other. We are definitely in the “for worse” era.

Our love is stronger than ALS. ❤️ 

We married 46 years ago. We have never been apart.

He’s had ALS for 10 years and it’s been a hard journey, but I love him so much!!

It’s hard taking care of him but he’d do it for me.

Happy Valentine’s Day Sweetheart! 

She is there for me and so are my grandboys.

Since my diagnosis around a year ago, my wife has stood beside me and been a great partner.

She does everything for me, even more than she should! I think through this time we’ve grown closer, and we appreciate each other even more.

She helps me take one day at a time! Better days are ahead, in Jesus’ name!

I love you, Mary! ❤

My name is Michelle Grassi, my husband of 34 yrs in June is Tom Grassi, who was diagnosed with ALS a year ago in November. Tom is not only is my love, best friend, and father to our beautiful children who are now all adults, but an incredibly special man who never thought or would let for a minute this horrible disease dictates how we would live our lives!  The day he found out he was more worried about me and the children and how we would be dealing with the news than himself!

I’m the luckiest woman in the world not only to have him by my side but the privileged to be by his. I can’t believe how incredibly strong and positive he has been going through all these difficult changes and challenges and yet constantly concerned about me! Our love has grown stronger with every passing day! I’m honored to be his partner as we walk through this journey together! I believe Love heals all!

I have loved him for almost 50 years.

He has been a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. 

He is kind, loving, and a wonderful person. 

Ed is a simple man. What you see is what you get. Very much a man of his generation. He is a hard worker. Open minded, gentle of heart, and a friend to all and loved where came from. In his day he wasn’t always the best behaved and it was hard on his body. Struggled with his soul. These days we look back. Talk about the good, the bad and the tiny details. I listen to all he tells me and watched his life from a seat behind on a motorcycle. ALS takes a little more everyday but this is the way I see and love him.

Molly is my wife, caregiver, and the love of my life. She is the strongest, most positive person I know and has never shied away from facing this disease—she often acts as my shield and advocate. She has carried us financially and emotionally. She is absolutely brilliant, has the biggest heart and is the BEST bonus mom to our cat/house manager. She is also a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, hair stylist, coworker, mentor, and mentee. She gives so much to each of these relationships and all who are privileged to know her would say the same. She inspires me to be a better version of myself every day.  

Molly was my soulmate long before ALS entered our lives but now, celebrating her and her indomitable spirit is more important than ever.  

I love you, Mol. Thank you for loving me.   

I love Sue because she is the kindest person I have ever met! ❤

He is smart, creative, skilled, funny and everything to me!

He is my greatest advocate, best friend and partner in life.

♥️♥️ 

He’s been the love of my life for over 44 years. Charles was diagnosed with ALS on September 13, 2022.  Unfortunately, we were not able to have children. It’s just been me and him and our dog (passed away last year), family and friends. We have been so very happy- marriage, working, traveling, retirement and illnesses.  We have been there for each other. I just love him.

ALS is a terrible disease, but it’s only made us more aware of how precious life is and our love for each other. 

My husband and I have a truly inspiring love story that began in 1968 when we met at 15 in Stuttgart, Germany, as Army dependents. Defying distance, we dated for 7 years, 4 of those years my husband traveled from Virginia to outside Boston to see me over long weekends while in college.

We will celebrate 49 years of marriage this month. Now living in Virginia, we have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

Although my husband’s diagnosis with Frontotemporal Dementia and ALS has presented significant challenges, being his caregiver is a blessing.   

He is the love of my life, my role model and my hero.  

We have a love story that is strengthened even with the adversities that we have had to live together.  

He is a unique man, who inspires me to be better, to value and enjoy life and to focus on being happy, despite the adversity, especially in these 14 years of being diagnosed with ALS.  

I love him, respect him and admire him, since I met him at the age of 15, for being a handsome, good, sweet, fair and talented athlete who over the years has proven myself, not only to be a successful Olympic athlete, a committed community leader, a concerned son, a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend. It’s been 40 years since we met, to many more years together fighting and celebrating life!! 

I love my wife Isabel. She has been my strength, my rock, my everything.

This has been even more apparent when I was diagnosed with ALS in May 2022.

We have experienced once in a lifetime events and trips that I am grateful that we were together through it all.

Isabel, I love you 3,000! 

I am Riley, my husband was diagnosed with ALS, His name is CJ.  

CJ and I met many years ago. CJ was an automotive technician at a local dealership and I was a young single Mom with car trouble. 

CJ was a helper with a huge heart and I was a strong, independent woman, who clearly needed some help and love. 

We instantly connected, and within months we made plans to create a life and future together. From that moment on, it’s been us against the world.  

Creating a life is exactly what we’ve done, together.  

I love this sweet sweet man because throughout all our time together, he has always been a helper. CJ is always the guy someone calls on and will always help even when he needs help himself.  

I love CJ because he’s never failed to make our wildest projects or plans into a reality and even when it’s been hard, he’s never given up.  

From relocation and ramen noodles, babies, worker’s comp injuries, hurricane’s, and now ALS and G-Paw status; 

I love this man because no matter what, he’s always remained a beacon of Hope with a strong and stable mentality to overcome everything life has thrown his way. CJ still finds the time to help his neighbor, love his family, and show us how to just be happy, even when it’s hard. 

The stories we share together are always my favorite!  

I love you forever. 

Chuck and I originally bonded over our love of boats, the beach, and being from big, large families. We were married in September 2018, gave birth to two beautiful children during the height of COVID, and spent the past couple of years navigating the challenges of becoming new parents, working parents, and parenting during a pandemic.

We decided to try for a 3rd baby upon Chuck’s urging. We found out Chuck was diagnosed with ALS on Valentine’s Day last year (February 14, 2024) while I was 6 months pregnant with our 3rd baby.  We welcomed baby Jenna on May 28, 2024 during ALS Awareness Month.   

In October 1984, I was a freshman at Belfry High School and she was a senior. I met the love of my life! ❤️ We were married in 1986, May 20th my sophomore year.

We had a baby boy the following November.

I worked at a local grocery store at Velocity Market and times were very tough. I later got a job in the Coal Mines and we had another son in November 1990. As my wife, Machele and I grew up together and living life to the fullest I continued to love and it grew even deeper!

I was involved in mining accident where a rock fell from 9ft and weighed over 600 lbs and did a lot of damage to my body. Without going into to all the details, my wife stuck by me through everything. All the doctor’s appointments and surgeries. Our bond became stronger and stronger.

Fast forward, I have been with my wife since I was only 14 and her 16. We know what each one of us will think or say before the other talks.

In March 2024 my wife noticed I had a slurred speech and made me a doctor’s appointment. Lots of test were done and symptoms kept getting worse daily! Through all the test, they found I not only had Bulbar ALS, but I also have Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma in my maxillary sinus! Radiation treatment and lots of doctor’s appointments. We were devastated!! Through everything, she has never left my side! Every doctors appointment, surgery, and she is a prayer warrior! My Lord has given me strength through everything. He even sent me my personal Angel, my wife when I was only 14 years old. She has been by me from the day we met and supported and loved me through good and lots of bad. On May 20 will make 39 years of marriage for us!❤️ 

Death will come and separation will be the worst struggle one of us may endure. Separation is one thing we have never had from each other. We live by the promise and faith our Jesus told us through is word. We know that one day we will live together in our true home with our Heavenly Father! Our love will always remain!❤️ Our love will be forever and always, infinitely and beyond! It will never die, because True love never dies!❤️❤️❤️ 

No one has shaped my life more than my mother—there’s simply no comparison. Growing up, my siblings and I were fortunate to have the “coolest mom.” She instilled in us values of love, compassion, and curiosity. I was lucky enough to share the experience of attending undergrad with her while she pursued her PhD in Mathematics. We graduated the same year, and I followed in her footsteps by beginning my own PhD journey. The guidance and support she gave me throughout my education were beyond anything you could imagine. In early 2022, she was diagnosed with ALS. The strength, courage, and resilience she has shown throughout this battle have exceeded what I ever thought was humanly possible.

I’m forever thankful to know, be inspired by, and be loved by such an incredible woman.

My husband has supported me throughout our life together.

I am committed to being by his side in our battle of ALS.

I loved Michael because he was the sweetest, most sincere, hardworking, trustworthy, funny man. I loved his big smile and his beautiful blue eyes.

Michael maintained a sense of normalcy and rational thinking in spite of his diagnosis and his continual physical decline. He was a brave beautiful sole who I will love forever.

Michael lost his battle with ALS January 13, 2025.

God rest his sole. 

1st picture: Our daughter, Katie, her husband, Elliott, and children, Adalynn and Landon. 

2nd picture: My husband, Steve, me and our dog, Copper. 

3rd picture: Our older daughter, Allison, her husband, Zach, and children, Sutton and Bennett, finishing a Pittsburgh fun run to raise money for ALS. They raised $1500! 

They are my everything on this earth. They support and encourage  me 100%.

My wife is amazing; she works so hard.

Loves her kids so much.

And like most all caregivers, is so selfless and loving.

Willing to give up so much for me.

I love her so much and I wish I could do more for her like I used to.

I am so very lucky. 

This is my dad. He is the greatest man I’ve ever known. He taught me what unconditional love is.

Every time I go somewhere and mention I’m his daughter, everyone speaks so highly of him… And then I wonder whose genes I got!! Musta been my mom’s. 😛 He was loved by many, but mostly by my mom who spent the last 55 years with him. He taught me everything I know about computers, cars, and God’s teachings. He was a true disciple of Christ and walked with the Lord as much as humanly possible.

He lost his battle with ALS on January 26th, and has gone home to heaven. I love my daddy, and I’m so grateful and lucky to have called him that. 

We met when I was 16 in 1984 married at 18 in 1986 we have 2 kids he was my everything and i was his.

He died of ALS March 2023 after being diagnosed in January 2023. Our story wasn’t over I hated als it took everything from me. I struggle emotionally. Physically, financially in every way I miss him so much. I don’t understand the why.

We had 2 kids and 6 grandkids. He was wonderful to all. Would give you the world even if he had nothing. 

The question is why do I love my wife? I have no choice she is a gift from God. When I was much younger and going to Disco clubs two to three times a week and enjoying every minute of life. One night I walked into the Disco as I normally did, silk shirt unbutton halfway down the front, double-knit bell-bottom pants and stack shoes ready to dance with every girl in the place. I looked across the full dance floor and caught a view of a girl WOW. I had to get closer and look at her, so I made my way across the dance floor and got a look at her sitting at a table talking to her friend.  My heart stopped I thought this was the end. I could not breathe for a full minute. I looked at her for a while and thought why now. No please no. Why was I thinking this because I had just laid eyes on the women that would be my wife, friend and mother to my children, and I knew it at that moment.

I fell in love the moment I saw her and never looked back. It is called love at first sight. I think God put her there for me and I have had the last 44 years of true love and happiness because of her. In short. The only way I know how to explain why I love my wife is that she is a gift to me from God.

She is a rockstar mom who has always loved us unconditionally. She has a heart of gold and always helps anyone in need. She’s also the best “Gigi” in the world. My niece and nephews are so lucky to have her!! ❤️

From the moment I received my diagnosis, she has been my rock and my advocate helping me through this terrible disease.

She is upbeat and always looks at the positive side of life. She pointed out how lucky we are to have some time to live as other of our friends were not so lucky.  She has planned trips, hosted family and friends making my life so fulfilling. She never hesitates to do anything to help me.

I love her dearly and I couldn’t ask for a better partner and best friend to be by my side as I live out my life.  

My three Grandsons will not remember me walking, or talking but they love me unconditionally.

They think I am the coolest thing in the world and wheels.

They are 6, 4, and 3 years old. 

We love them because they are the epitome of true unconditional love.

Mom was diagnosed with ALS in Sept 2023, in October 2023, dad had a stroke. Prior to mom’s diagnosis, dad had been her full-time caregiver, he took over all of her needs even though he was not well himself. When dad was having the stroke, mom had to speak for him because he couldn’t process the words. He was in one hospital, and she was at another for ALS clinic. She couldn’t wait to get done with the clinic to be by his side.

They have been married for 49 years and still send each other cute Valentines cards. Together, they are still taking care of each other and always giving to others. They show us the living example of being there in sickness and in health. Thank you, Michelle, Karen, Victoria, Snuggles and Aesir. 

Thomas Bracey my husband and best friend died on 1/25/2025. He was diagnosed on 2/27/2024. He fought ALS with his faith as he went from a cane to walker to a wheelchair and then a power wheelchair. He never stopped his fight,  but his respiratory system did not allow him to continue.

I know that every caregiver has a similar story. There are nights when you do not think they will see the light of another day. There are difficult trips to the ALS Team that left him depleted of energy and mentally exhausted. There are numerous trips to the hospital. He should have had little hope. He kept pushing, exercising, focusing on his life right now and did not worry about the next day. He always said that he walked by faith and not by sight. This is what those with ALS must do. He knew God would take care of the future and he needed to walk in the moment. He did walk every moment even when he was not offered any hope. 

I fell in love with him because of his faith in God, but I will love him forever for acting on that faith everyday until he died.

Jeff & I celebrated 40 years of marriage last October. 

We have been through many ups & downs but stayed stronger with each roadblock. 

We are a close-knit family and our love for each other only grows stronger through every step of our journey.

We are strong because our love keeps us strong. ❤️ 

Let everyone know, I have been very happy that God chose you to be my husband for 30 years and countin! He granted me a man who has loved me unconditionally, who has been respectful and understanding. You have honored me as a fragile vessel. A man of integrity who has always protected me, you are my safe place, both physically and emotionally because you have loved me as your own body. Above all things, you have invested more in my spiritual growth, knowing the eternal repercussions that this has in my life.

A little over a year ago, we were tested in that promise “to continue together in health and in sickness,” and although it has been a time of sadness and pain and many unexpected changes, we have continued forward in hope against hope looking to God and not our circumstances.

This time has allowed us to draw even closer and our love has matured in the midst of what we often do not understand. But as we say, we will continue fighting the good fight with the help of the Lord.

I love you Maximo Cruz, today and always.

I love my boyfriend, Gary. Not only is he my love, but he’s my hero and my inspiration.

Gary was diagnosed November 15, 2022. Never once has he complained, and he has every right to. Instead of wallowing and asking, “why me”, Gary decided to do everything he could to keep living and making memories. Tons of vacations and concerts were taken and attended. He continued working 60 hours a week until a month and a half ago when his hand wouldn’t allow him to work the mouse anymore. Gary’s disease isn’t easy for any of us who love him, but the way he has carried himself and lived since day one has made it a little easier. He’s managed to keep his sense of humor, even throwing zingers from his Eyegaze. As soon as someone new comes in to care for him they love him immediately because he’s such an incredible person.

Gary is a true example of strength, courage, and acceptance.