ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease

[BigV]

She made today's paper.

MOUNT VERNON — For Marilyn Leer, it all started with a twinge in her thigh.

“It just felt different,” she said. “Walking up stairs or running, it just didn’t feel normal. I really didn’t give it much thought. I really didn’t think about what it was or what it could be.”

That twinge, however, persisted. Months later, Leer, a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, decided she needed to see a doctor. The diagnosis was that the 45-year-old Leer was suffering from some sort of nerve damage.

Both she and her husband of 24 years, Jeff, believed they had dodged a bullet.

You see, a disease has stalked Marilyn Leer’s family for years, claiming the lives of nine family members.

As time went on, it became apparent the Leers hadn’t dodged that bullet.

Though the disease is ravaging her body, her spirit remains unbowed.

“Obviously, it can be a very scary process,” admitted Marilyn Leer. “I can’t cut up my own food. I can’t get myself ready for bed. Honestly, though, because of all the support I get from family and friends, I still have a great quality of life.”

@Sheldonrs and footfootfoot, we (they) have been in contact with the ALS Foundation for a long while. Sorry I hadn't made that clear from the op. I thank you all for your support. It makes a difference, even though you may not see it.