ALS patient writes to inspire others
With time on his hands, Coughlin completes novel

By BOB FALLSTROM, Staff Writer

ST. ELMO — In June, Barry Coughlin observed the seventh anniversary of being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He is 90 percent paralyzed, using a wheelchair full time, and his speech is slurred.

Undaunted, the persistent 44-year-old St. Elmo man completed the monumental achievement of writing a historical novel.

“It took me 13 months. I never had a doubt I would finish it,” he said. “I completed it in late July.”

The title is “Living the Dream.” Paperback copies are available at lulu.com and amazon.com or by contacting Coughlin at barrycoughlin@ frontiernet.net. The price is $12.99. You can preview it at www.lulu.com/content/2911603.

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