My name is Joe, an Army veteran, who was diagnosed with ALS September 4, 2018 at 53 years old. My wife, Julie, went with me to the appointment and, needless to say, we were both devastated. We informed our three children and extended family shortly after.
After the Army, I started my career in the grocery industry. At the time of my diagnosis I was thirty years into my career with a bread company. Seven months later I was disabled and no longer able to work.
In this blog I want to share our experiences with this disease, as I type this using eye gaze or eye tracking software, our trials and successes.
I hope to inform folks on my experience as one who has ALS but also offer hope to those have the disease. Your life is not over but a good support system is needed, like family and the Veterans Administration for me but also MDA and organizations like Team Gleason. Please contact me at joelanham53@gmail.com if you have questions.
Love the blog!!
Jeff, thanks for your comment.
We are praying for you Joe.
Hey Dad, the “Many Thanks’’ section is heart warming. We really enjoyed it! It’s a nice addition to the blog.
Tyler and Kate, thanks for your comments.
We are praying for you Joe.
Thank you both! you both have always meant so much to me! thanks for your prayers. love you!
Joe – Thanks for thanking me. I only paid forward what others have done for me, and was only too glad to help. You and God did the work. Thank you for being my friend. – Guy
I had no idea about this amazing blog until today! Thanks for keeping up with it, so we can keep up with you. We miss you tons and think of you all the time.
Thanks Malinda, very good to hear from you! Thanks for your kind words. How are you, Al and your children doing? Hope all is well with you and your family! We love you guys!
Good job! We are very proud of all of you. Jerry Ford says hello & you’re in his prayers. FYI, Lota passed a couple of months ago. She had Alzheimer’s. We’re still praying for a miracle. Don’t EVER give up.
Well said – Support team is everything – Keep the faith
Thanks Brad, much appreciated.
Love the blog Joe. Keep everyday a day of strength, progress and excellence! You are doing great sir and your efforts and support from other organizations provide hope to everyone.
Thanks John, much appreciated!