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Our Peggy’ puts a human face on ALS
Thursday, 12 February 2009 00:00
“I still believe I’m a lucky person”



PEGGY PRITCHARD OLSON
… a matter of Civic Engagement



In April of 2008 Edmonds City Council member Peggy Pritchard Olson was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

ALS is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. It affects the body, but not the mind.

While there are as many people diagnosed with ALS as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), about 5,000 Americans each year, far fewer people will ever know anyone with ALS. An individual with ALS usually lives only 2-5 years after diagnosis, versus a life expectancy just shy of average when diagnosed with MS.

Last August, just four months after her diagnosis, Peggy was interviewed on the local show “Civic Engagement,” a program that is part of the “Engaging Our Communities” Initiative at Edmonds Community College.

The purpose of “Civic Engagement” is twofold: (1) to let civic leaders and public officials speak directly to their communities without a filter, and (2) to break down the idea of large, detached government by showing that our community leaders are regular people, with the same responsibilities as every other member of the community.

“Civic Engagement” is produced by DJ Wilson, president of Edmonds City Council and also on EdCC's Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Political Science, and Dan Dootson, Visual Communications Specialist at the college.

Over a five-year history, “Civic Engagement” has hosted civic leaders such as former Sen. Slade Gorton, philanthropist Bill Gates Sr., and local hospital commissioners and city council members.

Peggy Pritchard Olson was interviewed twice for the program, once in August and again in January of this year. There was a marked difference in Peggy’s ability to communicate in the five months between the first and second interview, illustrating the effects of her ALS.

The purpose of her interview is to raise awareness of ALS and its effect on members of our communities. It is also meant to highlight the Pritchard family legacy in Washington politics.

Peggy’s father, Joel Pritchard, served in the Washington State Legislature from 1959-1967, as Washington’s 1st District representative in Congress from 1973-1985, and as Washington’s Lieutenant Governor from 1989-1997.

Former Gov. Dan Evans, who knew Peggy as a toddler, was also interviewed to reflect on the Pritchard family legacy. Lieutenant Governor Pritchard, Sen. Slade Gorton and former Gov. Evans are considered by many to be the fathers of the modern Republican movement in Washington.

In the episode, Gov. Evans says that if Peggy’s father Joel were around to see what she has done with her life he would say: “Good job, Peggy.”

On her local political friends and foes, Peggy herself says, “They really are a great group of people. Even if I don’t always agree with everything they do.”

Team Peggy, a group of 22 women formed to support her and raise awareness of ALS, will host an event in March at the Edmonds Center For The Arts during which the recorded episode will be showcased.

Reflecting on her life, Peggy says, “I still believe I’m a lucky person.”
As a lesson to her granddaughter Madison, Peggy says, “Give back! Get involved in your community. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do. And that goes for everyone.”

Also interviewed for the episode was current Secretary of State Sam Reed, who discusses the Pritchard family legacy.

Telling the story of ALS are Becky Moore, executive director of the ALS Association, and Dr. John Ravitz, neurologist and leading researcher on ALS at the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason Hospital.

The hour-long show took eight months to create and is now airing locally on Channel 26.
It will continue to be broadcast on the EdCC channel through Thursday, Feb. 19 at the following times:
Sunday: 12 midnight and 7 p.m.
Monday: 2:30 and 8 a.m.; 2, 7 and 11:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 6 and 11:30 a.m.; 4:30 and 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:30 and 8 a.m.; 1:30 and 5 p.m.
Thursday: 3:30 and 11:30 a.m.; 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Friday: 12midnight and 6:30 a.m.; 2 and 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 1:30 and 9 a.m.; 3 and 8 p.m.
For more information or a copy of the program at a nominal fee, contact Daniel Dootson at ddootson@edcc.edu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


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