Kim Hamlet has been living with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) for more than 25 years — a slow-progressing neurological disease that hasn’t stopped her from showing up for herself, her family and the life she’s built in Bend, Oregon. Unlike ALS, PLS typically isn’t fatal, but still impacts muscles like those in the legs, arms and tongue. Kim receives information and guidance from her local Care Services Coordinator, Christina Riddock, and has also used loaned equipment through our medical equipment program.
Originally from Ventura, California, Kim moved to Bend over 30 years ago with her three kids, who are now 44, 42 and 37. She’s watched the town grow from a quiet place to the vibrant community it is today, and she’s proud that two of her children still live nearby. One lives in Salem and all three remain an important source of love and support.
“It’s hard on them to see the changes,” Kim shared. “But when they visit, they say, ‘Make me a list,’ and they all pitch in to help. They’re amazing.”
A Life of Strength, Redefined
Before her diagnosis, Kim taught spin classes, ran a housecleaning business, waitressed and raised her children while volunteering and juggling life’s endless demands. She was used to pushing herself hard, both physically and emotionally.
“I ran myself ragged,” she said. “I did everything. For my kids, for my family. I was strong, both physically and mentally. But I was burning the candle at both ends.”
Kim was diagnosed with PLS at age 40 and believes that the overwhelming stress at the time, combined with an already high-intensity lifestyle, played a role in the disease’s onset. She didn’t know much about PLS and wasn’t interested in diving into the details at the time. “I’ve been on my own journey,” she shared. “But it’s about how you live, even with this diagnosis.”
Adapting with Spirit
Now 65, Kim is reflective, honest and still deeply motivated to stay active in body, mind and spirit. She’s the first to admit that the past five years have been hard – physically, emotionally and logistically. Living alone now, she’s had to learn how to ask for help, even though her natural instinct is to do it all herself. “I’ve always said: I can do it on my own,” she shared. “But it’s okay to say this is hard.”
She pursues practices like massage therapy, acupuncture and her own spiritual path, but has had to adjust to challenges like hyperextended knees that prevent her from surgery and limited access to her former workout routine – especially during the COVID shutdowns.
“COVID was tough. The gym was my outlet, and when it closed, I lost momentum. It was the first time I ever felt depressed.”
Still, Kim hasn’t let go of what drives her.
“You can do hard things,” she says. “You just have to believe in yourself. You know your body and spirit more than anyone else does. I’m my own cheerleader. And I’ve learned to appreciate the smaller things. The universe told me to slow down, and I’ve listened.”
She recently turned 65 and spent her birthday surrounded by her kids, with joyful photos marking a milestone she once wasn’t sure she’d reach.
A Note About PLS
Primary Lateral Sclerosis is a rare, slowly progressive neurological disease that affects the upper motor neurons. Unlike ALS, which impacts both upper and lower motor neurons and typically leads to more rapid decline, PLS usually progresses more gradually and doesn’t affect life expectancy. However, it still presents significant mobility challenges, muscle stiffness and speech or swallowing difficulties over time.