New technology at MCG helps ALS patient talk again

Posted: 6:36 PM Feb 12, 2009
Last Updated: 6:39 PM Feb 12, 2009
Reporter: Katie Beasley
Email Address: katie.beasley@wrdw.com

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News 12 at 6 o'clock, February 12, 2009

AUGUSTA, Ga.---Four years ago 35-year-old Chuck Kennedy was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gherig's Disease.

Chuck Kennedy is a Clemson Tiger through and through. Chuck is also battling ALS, a disease that attacks the nerves in his body.

First it was his arms, then his legs, and now his voice. But MCG Health's neurologist Dr. J. Edward Hartmann says a new machine is allowing everyone to hear Chuck once again.

"For him to continue to be as independent as possible and to communicate as much as possible. We prescribed him the machine," says Doctor Hartmann.

The machine is called an Eyemax. Chuck's eyes can control it. All he has to do is blink and he can express himself. "I never thought this would happen to me," Chuck uses the machine to say.

"If he gets to a symbol or a word he wants to speak he just looks at that symbol for a brief time, a couple seconds and it speaks for him," says MCG Health Speech Pathologist Cindy Maurer.

Fifty percent of ALS patients don't make it past two or three years. Chuck has already beaten the odds, because he's been fighting it four years. "Definitely a fighter," says Chuck.

Chuck and his wife Laurie say their faith in God has carried them this far. "We just take every day we have together and we just cherish it. We decided that it could either get us or we could get up and face it and that's what we do, everyday," says Chuck's wife Laurie.

It may not be his voice, but with the Eyemax he's able to talk, or fuss, with his eight and eleven year old daughters. "Mallory will you come here please," says Chuck's machine.

Laurie and Chuck have been through a lot together, but they hope you can learn something from them. "Don't' take life for granted, spend every day as if it's your last one," says Laurie.

"I think you can still have a good life with ALS," finishes Chuck. A good life, and hopefully an easier one with the new technology.

Chuck was just 31-years-old when he was diagnosed. Most people are in their 50's and 60's when they get ALS, so he really is a fighter.

The Eyemax hit the medical circuit about six months ago, and has taken off all around the country. Chuck was the first one at MCG to get it and you can bet he won't be the last.



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