Pictured from left are Robert Lewis, Stephanie Fuller, Connie Roberts and Jacob Fuller. Stephanie Fuller, who suffers from ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, lost her husband, Glen Fuller, to cancer in April. The tribute the community, friends and co-work

ALS patient still overwhelmed by support at her husband’s funeral
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May 26, 2008 - 8:21PM
By Michael Barrett


The merciless disease that has racked Stephanie Fuller's body for the last two years has had no answer for the power of her radiant smile.


That and her vision are two of the few physical abilities she has left. And the two work in tandem whenever Fuller sees photos of her late husband, former GEMS paramedic Glen Fuller, who died of cancer last month at the age of 41.


Some would say Fuller, 33, has every reason to be bitter these days. From the bed in Stanley where she is forced to spend much of her time - virtually paralyzed by the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - she has endless hours to brood over her family's recent misfortune.


Memories of her husband and her love for their 14-year-old son, Jacob, help to keep Fuller going, even as she faces her own mortality. And she continues to be awestruck by the tribute Glen's friends and co-workers offered during his funeral a month ago.
Fuller's ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is close to robbing her of the ability to speak. But before that happens, she wished to publicly thank the emergency service workers who offered such an outpouring of love on April 18.


"I don't know how to explain it," Fuller said Wednesday from her bed, speaking with a methodical determination matched by the sincerity in her eyes. "It was just a total blessing to know that they cared that much."

Inconceivable challenges


Glen Fuller battled his melanoma for 3½ years before it finally claimed him. In the midst of his fight, his wife of 15 years was diagnosed with ALS.


The disease involves a gradual deterioration of nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. Since Stephanie's first symptoms appeared in May 2006, she has gradually lost the ability to work, walk and physically care for herself.


She now has trouble breathing and is on a feeding tube, and family members said her kidneys are failing.


Stephanie's aunt and uncle, Connie and Robert Lewis, opened their home to the Fullers more than a year ago. They became the primary caregivers for Glen and Stephanie.


There are good days and bad days, Connie Lewis said. Times of laughter are always followed by periods filled with tears.
"It's hard. I raised her," Connie said. "When it's someone you love that much, you do what you have to do.


"I don't want her to be alone. She's not alone."


On the wall facing Stephanie's bed, her family has hung numerous pictures of her, Glen and Jacob from over the years. The photos, along with frequent visits from loved ones, help to keep her smiling.


Also donning the wall is a plaque Glen received in 2006 as a GEMS Outstanding Paramedic in 2006. Stephanie is asked if her husband was proud of the award.


"Oh yeah," she says, the smile stretching nearly from ear to ear.

An inspiring service


Glen was a paramedic for Gaston Emergency Medical Services for 17 years. On the night that he died, his co-workers wasted no time in honoring that service.


Two of Glen's fellow paramedics arrived at Connie Lewis' home to announce that they would handle every detail of the funeral arrangements. Containers of homemade food soon began arriving at the house.


"I never expected them to do that," Stephanie said.


Fuller's funeral service drew some 70 uniformed paramedics and other emergency responders from the area. His casket was transported in a GEMS ambulance that had its red emergency lights covered in black, and strands of black ribbon draped along its sides.


The ambulance was driven by Fuller's longtime partner, Wayne McFadden. It led a long procession of other emergency vehicles from Gastonia to Hillcrest Gardens in Mount Holly, where Fuller was buried.


A uniformed paramedic sang during the service, which also featured a bagpiper and honor guard. And as is custom, paramedics performed a ‘last call' over the radio to broadcast that Fuller had officially ended his tour of duty.


GEMS officials made special accommodations to allow Stephanie to attend the service comfortably, and they presented her with a folded American flag at the cemetery.


Stephanie has passed those colors on to Jacob.


"He has his daddy's flag," she said.


She said she is proud of how Jacob, a student at Holbrook Middle School, has endured such unthinkable trials.
"He is doing very well," she said. "Better than what I expected."


While leaning heavily on her heavily, Stephanie said she has benefited from weekly visits by Pastor Lawrence Leonhardt and Ted Norris of North Belmont Church of God.


Regardless of the hurdles ALS presents to her in the future, she said she will never forget the support she witnessed for her husband.


"It was amazing," she said. "It was like they were family.


"Glen would have been real proud. He would have been amazed how much his friends did."


You can reach Michael Barrett at (704) 869-1826.
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