[BobbyB]

Study gives hope to Lou Gehrig's patients
Fri, Dec 1, 2006

By Jeff Hansel

The Post-Bulletin

Troy Reinke of Rochester is excited about a new scientific advance concerning Lou Gehrig's disease, but he realizes a new treatment might not be developed in time to help him.

Scientists at the Translational Genomics Institute in Phoenix said Thursday they have found 50 genetic abnormalities that lead to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

"This is exciting news for me, although the likelihood of it being in time for my situation is limited," said Reinke, who took medical leave from his job as a fifth-grade teacher at Bamber Valley Elementary School after being diagnosed with ALS.

God's fingerprints are "all over these people and these endeavors to solve this puzzle," he said.

Reinke says he remains optimistic -- but realistic -- in his outlook.

"It's not as if I'm sitting here saying, 'I'm going to die in four months.' But I know it isn't going to be long," Reinke said. "I can feel it."

Since he was diagnosed several months ago, Reinke has tried two different experimental treatment regimens in hope of extending his life and also advancing knowledge for people diagnosed in the future.

"It's all a process of trial and error -- and some of us have to be part of the error," said Reinke.

ALS causes degeneration that weakens the body's muscles. Researchers now want to see if drugs already on the market might fight the disease.

Reinke says family, friends and faith have helped him maintain a positive attitude. Reinke's two daughters, who had planned to move to the Twin Cities to live together, have decided to come home instead, and his wife Sue has been a "blessing," he said.

Friends and family take turns giving him nutrition through a feeding tube, because he is no longer able to eat. He has lost motor function in his arms and fingers.

He is still able to walk, talk and get around his home, even though a trip upstairs leaves him winded.

Although he can't type, he can use his computer's mouse to point and click.

"I'm not afraid of death, and I am ready," he said. "I do not want to live in a shell or as a shell. I'm looking forward to when my times comes, to going and meeting my savior, and my comfort is in that."

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