Foundation Provides Support For ALS Sufferer

Jeanette Trompeter
Reporting

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(WCCO) ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is one of the most aggressive and destructive, neuromuscular diseases there is. It is rare but devastating to those it affects, and those who have to watch it happen.

This is not how Carrie Lemieux nor her husband planned on spending their golden years. Three years ago, Lemieux was playing golf and walking 15 miles a week."

It was four years ago, her left hand started giving her trouble.

"I was losing my grip when I was playing golf. and I did a lot of computer work, and it was slipping off the keys," said Lemieux.

She thought carpel tunnel. If only it had been that simple. Carrie had ALS.

"I couldn't believe it because I was never a sick person, never have I been," she said. "It's just hard to believe."

Most ALS patients are given one to five years upon diagnosis. Carrie's progression has been slow. She can still eat, still talk, and still breathe. But all are becoming more difficult.

"Not being able to do the things that you want to do for yourself personally, I said if I were to write a book, it would be called 'being held a prisoner in your own body,'" said Lemieux.

With ALS, the brain quits telling muscles to move and they deteriorate. Patients ultimately lose even the strength to breathe. There are no words to describe the heartache of watching someone you love go this way.

The Lemieux's have found comfort through friends, family, and the ALS foundation.

"I don't think I could have coped alone," Lemieux said.

That's why they'll be part of this weekend's walk to D'feet ALS at lake Harriet. They'll come with a team of supporters eager find a cure.

"It's one of those things you accept, and try to make the most of your life."

Most of the money raised will go to services for ALS patients here in Minnesota, and some goes to research.

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