Nothing false about hope of man who beat the odds
In 1978, Andy McGovern was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. He was given five to 10 years to live -- but 31 years later he's alive and hopeful


Sunday February 15 2009

AS a person for whom Motor Neurone Disease (MND) didn't prove fatal in the prognostic time, three to five years, I have been given the opportunity to look at the disease, and at my life, in a new way. As realisation dawned that I was becoming a long-term MND patient, I developed characteristics that have given my life new meaning and hope.

When I was diagnosed with this disease, I was faced with the prospect of severe disability and a life span of just a few short years. I had two options -- give up or else develop endurance characteristics. Deep within my being, the human fight for survival surfaced. Immediately, I focused on learning as much as possible about MND before serious muscle wasting began. Some of my survival characteristics were always a part of me, others I have developed along the way. I draw emotional stability and mental strength from outside myself.

I took charge of my own life. I did this by drawing on the immense strength that lies within my being. Each person has been given that strength, sometimes we just need to dig deep to find it!

After a pilgrimage to Lourdes with CASA (Caring and Sharing Association) in 1990, I found great spiritual strength to accept the disease and learn what I can from the experience. In short, that spiritual serenity gave me a power greater than myself.

I seldom take what I'm told seriously, especially about this disease. I make up my own mind and follow my own instincts. I will try almost anything to test my remaining abilities, and they are many!

With an open mind, I now embrace modern technology (Dragon voice recognition, Naturally Speaking), aware that it has given me back my ability to write. Currently, man cannot cure, prevent or arrest this disease, but modern management and modern technology now give us the possibility of living with the disease, while enjoying an active and satisfying life. I must, at all times, remain positive.

I live in the "now", realising that I'm not promised tomorrow. I'm thankful for the way I am today, because I know that many people have been affected by this disease to a greater extent than I have.

I want to live and I want to fight to live, to be here to watch my grandchildren grow up. This doesn't mean that I've got my head buried in the sand or that I'm wallowing in self-pity or the "why me syndrome". I've made a deliberate and conscious decision to live on the sunny side, and I refuse to see myself as an object of pity. I see myself as a useful and valued member of the community, and of my family.

I believe that a treatment will be found within three to five years, and that a cure will follow within five to 10 years. It may not arrive in time to save me, but that does not worry me. I've had a good innings: 31 years since diagnosed! And I thank God for that! I've learned to understand and accept my remaining abilities, and I know that a simple thank-you is sufficient payment for a good deed and the help given to me by others! I want to reach out to others living with MND and their families. I want to share myself and the lessons I have learned as I cope by searching for the power deep within.

I have a good sense of humour and I hope I never lose it. I can laugh with others about my disability and inadequacy. I await the possibility of new discoveries and new technology. I have received many blessings from my experience of MND. No longer do I consider myself a "helpless victim".

What could be more destructive to our self-respect and general quality of life than seeing ourselves as victims?

MND has allowed me to recognise the incredible strength I have been given to deal with my circumstances.

I define myself as a lucky human being, who happened to have MND as part of my experience of life.

I am grateful to be alive today. I live a life filled with confidence and purpose. MND has changed my life completely. I am now a different person to the man I was before my diagnosis. To view it in a positive perspective, it has enriched my very humanity. It has made me a humble and considerate person. It has allowed me to now live my life at a slower pace, a pace where I can take time to enjoy my life thoroughly. I savour each moment. I relax and listen to the silence. It has much to say. I am at peace with my inner self.

I don't know just how this disease will progress, or how I will adapt, what my tolerance of dependency will be, what my comfort zone will be, what help from family and friends, I will get. But I am a prisoner of hope!!

I won't let anyone convince me that my hope is "false". Hope isn't false, you either have it or you don't.



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