Steve Larson Living with ALS


Feb 16 2009 7:10PM
KXMBTV Bismarck

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JASON: Over the past couple months; we've brought you a few stories on a man named Steve Larson.

AMBER: Steve is dying of A-L-S - commonly known as Lou Gherig's disease.

JASON: In the past, I've done these stories by myself - but I'm actually going to be leaving KX News and Bismarck this Friday. I've taken a reporting job in my hometown of Buffalo, New York. Even though I'll be gone, the stories will continue. My colleague Amber Schatz will be bringing you monthly updates on Steve and his condition.

AMBER: We thought for Jason's last story we'd do it together. And we spoke about how technology has kept Steve connected, about a new family member -

JASON: And about some advice Steve has for me as I prepare to leave Bismarck.

Steve Larson: 8:35 "The dot between my eyes is just a piece of reflective tape. So, I control my cursor on my computer with head movements."

AMBER: In my first meeting with Steve, the way he communicates is what first caught my attention.

Steve Larson: 9:45 "Without this camera on my computer, I'd be lost because I'm not a TV watcher and every waking moment I'm on the internet."


JASON: Adapting to whatever circumstances present themselves. It's something Steve has taught me over the past few months.

Steve Larson: 10:27 "My cell phone sits open like that because it has an auto answer so it rings one or two times and then it automatically answers."


AMBER: That's not to say there haven't been technological hiccups along the way. JASON: Steve tells us about his parents and their cell phone.

Steve Larson: 10:37 "Like most older people and they can't hang on the phone up so I have to rely on them to hang their phone up and when they call on their cell phone they always forget to hang it up. So, then I got to sit there and listen to them talk till somebody finally comes in and hangs mine up and it's pretty funny b/c I can hear them get close to the phone but they never hear me."

AMBER: One reason he's going to want to stay more connected than ever - a new grand daughter.

Steve Larson: 4:40 "She was born on January 29th so I haven't seen her yet but I'm really excited to meet her."

JASON: Steve smiles when talking about Baby Morgan AMBER: but realizes his days with her may be few.

Steve Larson: 7:02 "I hate to say it but she's probably not going to remember me. Ever. All I have to hope is that my son and my older grandsons pass along to her what I was like. You know?"

JASON: I certainly do - and as I move onto a new job in a new city, Steve leaves me with this advice.

Steve Larson: 7:55 "I would tell you to keep doing what you're doing. You know - your next job, you're probably not going to retire at your next job." COVER BYTE 8:12 You just got to decide what you're going to do and what makes you happy - instead of what everyone else expects you to do." 8:24

AMBER: Steve says he also enjoys making up games to play with his grandchildren like who can make the silliest face or the stupidest noise. JASON: I've learned a lot from Steve - and I know you will as well Amber. I couldn't think of a better person to continue this story. AMBER: Thanks Jason - Tom and Lauren? watch the video |

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