Two fight a disease the only way they can
By DEBRA SKODACK
The Kansas City Star

Robert and Crystal Cram have done a lot since getting married last October.

They honeymooned in Jamaica; they bought a house; they traveled to Disney World and Italy.

And they learned last March that Robert, 31, has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

This Sunday, the Raymore couple will do something else together: They will lead the Walk to D’Feet ALS.

“You learn something very quickly; you learn to appreciate things that most people don’t,” Crystal Cram said. “Every day that you can get up and can walk and talk, that’s good.”

The Crams weren’t too concerned last year when Robert noticed some problems with his hands. Maybe it was his construction job or carpal tunnel from playing too many PlayStation games.

But by December, Robert’s symptoms worsened.

His doctor sent him to an orthopedic surgeon, who sent him to a neurologist, who delivered the diagnosis.

Robert had hoped that he could do something to help fight the disease, like eat a more healthful diet. But he can’t.

“That is the most frustrating part,” Crystal Cram said.

But the Crams know they can raise money for the ALS Association.

Their first fundraiser in May brought 78 people to their home and raised $3,500. Already, the two have raised more than $7,500 through Sunday’s walk.

Crystal Cram’s boss at CLK Management — the Overland Park business where the couple met — has agreed to match whatever money they raise.

Crystal Cram said the ALS Association also has been extremely supportive.

“People are so very kind,” she said. “They try very hard to understand how you feel that day.”

And Robert’s days can vary greatly.

“Some days he feels just fine,” his wife said. “Other days, it’s a bad body day.”

Right now, Robert has trouble lifting his arms. And his voice has changed.

Sunday’s walk is designed to be inclusive to ALS patients. It is wheelchair-accessible and only one mile by design. It is expected that of the 600 to 700 participants, 20 to 25 will be ALS patients.

Crystal Cram said she drew a lot from her husband’s strong spirit.

“It’s a new day and a new thing to learn differently,” she said.

And she depends on the sense of humor they share.

“I don’t think there are many people who have laughed and cried at the same time as much as we have,” Crystal Cram said.

Her husband has remarked that he is unable to do some of the traditional spousal chores, such as taking out the garbage.

“But he has done so much more,” she said. “He has made me a better person, a kind and more compassionate person.”


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The details

Walk to D’Feet ALS will be held at Theis Park, 47th and Oak streets, on Sunday. Registration is at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. For more information about the walk or about the ALS Association, call (913) 648-2062 or go to www.alsa-midwest.org.


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