Donate
 
google
ALS: Anyone’s
  L
ife Story”
May 2007
S
M
T
W
T
F
S

MDA’s ALS Division introduces you to 31 people  - one each day for the month of May - who are living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease). 

This series was inspired by Augie Nieto, ALS Division Co-Chairperson, who says that since his ALS diagnosis, instead of striving for success, his goal each day is to be significant.

In their own words, otherwise “ordinary” people describe the impact of living with a progressive, incurable and deadly disease. But their stories also tell how ALS has brought new significance to their lives in ways that you might not expect. 

ALS can become anyone’s life story. Please join MDA’s world-leading effort to stop it. 

Jerry Lewis Open
Enter your zip code
 
 
    Home>Anyone's Life Story
Read other stories by clicking the date on the calendar.
Michael Sloan

Name: Michael Sloan

City, State: Kennebunk, Maine

Age: 52

Family (spouse/partner, children, grandchildren):
Trudy (spouse)
Dan (son)
Katie (daughter)

Hobbies/Interests: Travel, photography and gardening

Date of ALS diagnosis: November 29, 2005

Life before ALS: I was healthy and active, busy both with family and with my full time career in medicine.  I am an OB-GYN physician with a private practice and responsibilities as chief of the OB-GYN department at a local hospital.  In my spare time I enjoyed being outdoors hiking, traveling, taking photos, and gardening.

Life with ALS:In the 15 months since my ALS diagnosis, I have gradually withdrawn from my medical practice.  I stopped doing surgery, then deliveries, and finally office visits.  My increasing disability has also forced me to abandon most of my active hobbies.  I spend time with quieter activities like music and reading.  My most rewarding moments are spent connecting with family and friends.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: Facing a terminal illness has made me realize how my life has been blessed with a wonderful family, friends, and a career that I’ve truly enjoyed.  I am deeply grateful to everyone who has expressed their concern and love since my diagnosis.  Their love and friendship play an increasingly important role in helping me live fully despite ALS.

 
 
 
 
All contents © copyright 2006 - 2008 MDA All rights reserved.