WHY I OUGHTA!!!: The In's and Out's of ALS

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The In's and Out's of ALS

I recently participated in a video for the ALS Association and it gives you a glimpse of my thoughts as well as another brave PALS (person with ALS). You have two opportunities to help...the bike ride and the Pub Crawl. I promise it will change your life and bring a huge smile to mine.

3 comments:

drewmoritz said...: Hey Mo! Stopping by your blog to say hi...the video is awesome, keep grinding girl, you rock! Andrew; June 2, 2010 at 12:23 AM
Tacoma Barry said...: Thank you, Melissa, for getting the word out. Can you let me know your sschedule for the Young Faces of ALS campaign. I would love to see you folks at Safeco Field. http://als.net/News/Article.aspx?id=5369.

Thank you again, Barry Mangan, Tacoma; June 4, 2010 at 10:21 AM
NicNic said...: Hi Mo,

You don't know me, but I met you a couple of times YEARS and YEARS ago through Shannah and Amanda and I just wanted you to know that you are loved. Keep going strong sweetheart!

Nicole; June 11, 2010 at 4:43 PM

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MORE ABOUT ME

Let me give you all a little background on me. For the first 27 years of my life I was extremely active. I started playing basketball when I was 10 years old. It defined my life and gave me incredible opportunities for which I am most grateful. I earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Washington which enabled me to continue my education. From there I went on to coach and play professionally in Germany and Portugal. Basketball brought me to many countries and gave me immeasurable amounts of pleasure, pride and independence. When I was 25 and in my last season in Portugal, I started to feel very inadequate on the court. I was out of balance, slow and unable to jump as high as normal. I felt that I was just getting old and not training as I used to. I moved back to Seattle and became part of the working world. I continued to play basketball recreationally and go to the gym to work out. My inadequacies continued to progress and soon it became very difficult to play or run on my own.

After a workout at my local gym, my personal trainer informed me that my problems with balance and strength were not normal of a typical 27 year old. So in August of 2006, I started my search for reason. A day before my 28th birthday, doctors told me that there were definite signs of a neuromuscular disease. I was devastated to know that the active life I had lived was in for a drastic change. I currently am unable to walk. I use a power chair and it has increased my independence and mobility so much. Life is easier despite the restrictions of living on wheels.

In 2007, I attended numerous doctors’ appointments in Seattle and Boston, and undergone several tests; doctors continue to lean on the initial diagnosis of ALS. My life has taken many different turns and I have journeyed down a path I never thought existed. However, despite all of the disappointment and setbacks I have learned to view life in a new way. I can truly say that I enjoy the simple things in life. Each day is cherished in a new and inviting way. My family and friends are the very blood that runs through my veins.

On behalf of myself, my family and all of my friends who have supported me along the way, I send a huge THANKS for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Sincerely,

Melissa Erickson

All questions, concerns and donations can be directed to Sarah Duncan, co-founder of the Melissa Erickson Foundation. Sarah can be reached at (425) 339-8556 or sdunc@myuw.net