A special message from Executive Director Lance Christian:
I’m consistently inspired by the extraordinary people who show what it means to live well with ALS. Two such individuals make me especially proud: Sherry McBride of Salem, Oregon and Kristi Cosden of Sisters, Oregon (pictured above).
Sherry and Kristi exemplify resilience, joy and passion while living with ALS. I feel grateful that they have access to a full suite of resources and a direct personal connection to a Care Services Coordinator, who guides them through what is often described as the worst time of a person’s life. This is only possible because of our incredible donors who support these services year after year.
So, I call on your help now at the end of this year – will you provide access to these care services for people living with ALS today?
Sherry McBride first noticed symptoms at the end of 2021, but like many people with ALS, it took an extended amount of time for her to get a diagnosis. Thankfully, Care Services Coordinator Mary Rebar acted as her advocate. After Sherry’s mother reached out about Sherry’s troubling symptoms, Mary fought for Sherry to get a referral to a neurologist. Sherry expressed, “Mary is why I now have the correct diagnosis… and she’s been my angel ever since.”
Mary has been there every step of the way to connect Sherry with services. Since ALS robbed Sherry of her voice and some mobility, she has received assistive technology support and medical equipment. Sherry stays mobile and engaged with her children and grandchildren thanks to this support. She says, “You’re constantly changing, and you need new kinds of support so you can continue adapting.”
In Central Oregon, Kristi Cosden found support through Care Services Coordinator Christina Riddock. When Kristi was diagnosed last year, Christina called her within days. Kristi shared, “I found through Christina that there are a lot of resources available.” Kristi continues to see Christina at every ALS Clinic visit and at her home. “I’m one of those people who wants to know as much as I can. I just can’t imagine not having the Clinic… Through Christina I know I’ve been heard and that my experiences are normal.”
Care Services Coordinators like Mary and Christina are there every step of the way for people with ALS and their loved ones so they can enjoy the best quality of life possible. I hope you’ll join me and give back this holiday season to help wonderful people like Sherry and Kristi.
Thank you!
Lance Christian, Executive Director
P.S. Remember: your gift also funds ALS research, exemplified by access to clinical trials at the ALS Center at Providence in Portland, Oregon.