Midlands man needs your help
By Ashley Norris
Wednesday, July 09, 2008 at 12:10 a.m.


Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease is a rare, rapidly progressive and deadly disease that attacks the muscular system.

Right now, there is no cure for ALS. Doctors say it mainly affects older people. One out of 100,000 people have the disease. One of them is living here in the Midlands and he's only 33 years old.

Brian Shah and his wife Ashley have been happily married for five years. They met in Georgia, then a work transfer led them to Florida. The USC alumnus and Gamecock fanatic Brian missed South Carolina. In February 2007, they came home. Shortly after, Brian started having trouble with every day tasks.

"My speech started slurring and I had a problem with my fine motor skills," says Brian.

A few months and several doctor's appointments later, Brian was diagnosed with ALS.

"I didn't know what it all meant, I still don' t know what it all means. We just tackle what we have to do and take it day by day," says Ashley.

Doctors tell Brian he will eventually be unable to walk or talk.

"It's different for each case, but the average survival rate is two to four years," says Lexington Neurologist Alan Morning.

"Between now and then we do a lot together," says Brian. He says his biggest fear, "leaving the one you love."

Ashley says, "take advantage of every day because you're not guaranteed another."

The Shahs cherish their time together with their newest addition and are trying to remain hopeful in a difficult situation.

"Friends and family have been so supportive they been tremendous more than I ever expected," says Ashley.

Here's how you can help:
Shah’s disease has progressed rapidly and medical bills are compiling. In order to assist with medical costs, Shah's Sigma Nu college fraternity brothers organized a charity golf tournament. The first Brian Shah Classic will be held on Friday, July 11 at Oak Hills Golf Course. The deadline to play has passed, but all other donations for medical costs are accepted and appreciated. For more information, contact Eddie Dowling, the event organizer, at (803) 238-0980.

http://www.wach.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=156750