Steve Larson

Jan 2 2009 11:16PM
KXMBTV Bismarck
We first introduced you to a man named Steve Larson about a month ago.

Steve has ALS - more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It's a disease that gradually takes over your body - and it's fatal. We went back to the Nursing Home where Steve is staying and spoke about Christmas, about the New Year, about defying the odds and about making each and every day count.

"The biggest thing I've noticed is the muscle weakness in my neck and it really creates a lot of problems for me," says Steve Larson, who was diagnosed with ALS several years ago.

Since our last visit, ALS has crept further into Larson's already frail body - but when the going gets tough, Steve Larson, well, he adapts.

"[There are] a lot of bumps in the road that you have to change my routine for constantly because I know things will change with the condition of my body so I will try and make the adjustments to keep comfortable," says Larson.

Change - the only that's constant in life suggests Larson. The holiday season: that's changed for him as well.

"It gets a little lonely on Christmas day or something when you're here now everyone else is having fun and you're here alone," says Larson.

Steve talks about the loneliness during the holidays, but doesn't stay down for long.

"You can mope around if you want to and be miserable every day,” Larson explains. “But what good is that going to do you?"

Steve keeps upbeat and surrounding him in his room: photos of family, his dog Crusher who visits faithfully every day for a couple hours - and Christmas cards, cards like these.

Steve Larson: "'Merry Christmas Steve. I guess we'll have a snowy Christmas. We had a good blizzard in November, couldn't even open her door in three days; the snow was up the door latch, what a mess! I was completely snowed in.' And this is my aunt who had polio when she was young. And she's doing well and I miss her."


We move on to New Year's and resolutions and Steve says live for today - not for a date on the calendar.

"If you notice you're doing something wrong in your life and you have to wait till New Year's to change it - its probably not going to work,” Larson says. “You have to realize what you're doing wrong at that time and change it then."

In short, live your best life - and live it now. We will continue to bring you periodic updates on Steve Larson, his condition - and his advice on living your best life. watch the video |
http://www.kxmc.com/News/314993.asp