[BobbyB]

a must watch video. after reading this news story about ray click on this link to watch the video.
Special software allows him to type in complete sentences and the computer then says the words for him.
http://cbs11tv.com/local/Lou.Gehrigs....2.661000.html
ray gets my vote.





County Commissioner Battles Lou Gehrig's Disease
Despite Diagnosis Ted Ray Seeking Re-Election
Reporting
Maria Arita PALO PINTO COUNTY (CBS 11 News) -




This year the Palo Pinto County election promises to be one of the most unusual ever. County Commissioner Ted Ray is running for another term, despite a devastating personal experience.



Ray, a dedicated public servant, was the picture of health when he received a fatal diagnosis.



Judge Mike Smiddy proclaimed February 'ALS Month' in Palo Pinto County. With the proclamation Smiddy hopes to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease, a neurodegenerative disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.



The proclamation was in honor of Commissioner Ray, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2006. In two years since Ray has gone from being an avid outdoorsman and community workaholic, to being unable to walk and only communicating through a computer. Special software allows him to type in complete sentences and the computer then says the words for him.



Ray told CBS 11 News that he was stunned when he got the diagnosis. "I said I didn't know what ALS was and asked what I needed to do," he explained. "He [the doctor] said there is no treatment you will die in two to five years. He walked out and shut the door."



Ray's wife, Beth, says the diagnosis changed everything and she has made it her job to keep things as normal as possible. "We still go out to eat with our friends."



Many people say Ray's humor is infectious. One day while sitting in front of the computer he said, "Show you how stupid I am; I paid $100 for a pair of shoes and I can't walk!"



While Ray has lost the use of his limbs and voice, he still feels everything. "I read somewhere that it was like being buried alive, because your brain's the only thing that works," Beth said.



Ray says his greatest wish is to, "Get 40-percent of me back."



Ever the public servant, Ray has applied for yet another term. "I would like to be remembered as one of Palo Pinto's greatest county commissioners," he said. That's a goal that many people already feel he's accomplished. Commissioners' Assistant Iris Stagner told CBS 11 News, "He has inspired me in ways nobody has. His strength just blows me away."

The ALS chapter of North Texas offered up a challenge to Palo Pinto County to form a team for their walk in October. Participants plan to honor Ray, raise money for research, and help families affected by the disease.

http://cbs11tv.com/local/Lou.Gehrigs....2.661000.html