Sullivan to read from 'I Prefer to Laugh'; excerpts will shed light on living with ALS


Thursday, January 29, 2009
SANFORD — Gary Sullivan will share his experiences with living with Lou Gehrig's disease during a presentation at Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Sullivan will read excerpts from "I Prefer to Laugh," the manuscript that he has written that is an autobiographical account of the life he has lived since he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in December of 2004.

Afterward, Sullivan will answer questions from the audience.

ALS is a disease of the nervous system that destroys the motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movement. When the motor neurons can no longer provide the impulses that muscles need in order to function, the muscle begins to deteriorate. The deterioration often begins in the extremities and eventually progresses throughout the body, causing paralysis of the arms and legs, difficulty swallowing, talking and breathing. Death usually results from respiratory complications, according to a guide published by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ALS Division.

Sullivan, a lifelong resident of Sanford, recently helped found ALS Maine Collaborative, a statewide organization in Maine to help coordinate the services available to those with ALS and their caregivers, and at the same time support the groups and organizations that provide those services.

Since his diagnosis, he also has served as vice president of the ALS Association's Northern New England chapter.

As well, he has attended two of the association's annual conferences in Washington, D.C. During those conferences, Sullivan visited the offices of Maine's Senators and Congressman to lobby for a bill to create a national registry for people with ALS.

Sullivan's presentation will start at 6:30 p.m. at the library.

Goodall Library is located at 952 Main Street.

For more information, call 324-4714.


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