WHY I OUGHTA!!!: researchers find the cause of ALS!!!

Monday, August 22, 2011

researchers find the cause of ALS!!!

as i ritually surf facebook before i fall into dreamland, i come across this link;

"researchers find cause of ALS".

i skipped to the next update like it was nothing...then it clicked and my eyes raced back up to the link that basically said "melissa erickson, you are a finalists in the bazillion dollar lottery!!!". i couldn't open the link. i froze. i can honestly say that i have never imagined that i would read this sentence in my lifetime. oddly enough, i just don't think about a cure or treatment at all because it's not on my agenda today and today is really the only thing i plan for. this little article forces me think about tomorrow. this is a gift and a curse. this article is staring me in the face. i take a deep breath, shrug my shoulders like Rocky against the Soviet, and do what i gotta do.

ADRIENNE, ur ahhh....JESSICA!!!!

i made her read it... just in case when i clicked on the link, ashton kutcher popped on the screen and screamed, "you got punked, beeeeeotch!!!". jess read through it and confirmed that it is legit. that half of the chains that entraps my body quite possibly may be removed. i know, i am still trapped but the Marauder's Map may have been discovered! i feel like i and thousands of other prisoners, may live to fight this beast and our weapons were upgraded from a bitch slap to a machete! that one day i'll be able to wave my wand and say, "mischief managed". THIS. IS. HUGE!!!

i'm still living for today, but tomorrow...looks a lot more colorful.

5 comments:

McKimmie-Style said...: I hug you from here, and admire your ability to keep a sense of strength and a sense of humor, always. Love you Mo!!; August 22, 2011 at 8:55 AM
Loosy said...: tears of joy my friend. tears of joy.; August 22, 2011 at 2:10 PM
Lisa Lyons said...: I too want to give you a HUGE hug!!! You are such an inspiration. I wish I wasn't so far away so I could hang out with you more. Know that I think about you often!; August 22, 2011 at 2:35 PM
Courtney said...: I just heard about this today and am ecstatic. There was no hope when my Mom passed four years ago and to hear that there is HOPE today - it brings tears to my eyes!

Now, comes some serious prayer that we can evolve from CAUSE to CURE!; August 22, 2011 at 3:41 PM
Unknown said...: Beautiful post, Mo. You inspire me. Every day.; August 25, 2011 at 10:55 AM

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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