Nate's ALS STORY
In the summer of 2016, if you'd have asked 32 year-old Nate Arnold how long he'd live, he probably would've said well into his nineties. After all, he comes from “good stock”, and with no major genetic health issues in his family, his relatives frequently live that long.
But by then, he'd already been dying for months. He just didn't know it yet.
Though most of life was going well, he did have that odd spasm in his left hand that had started as an imperceptible twitch in his pinky. But that was just due to the stress of the busy season at work...right?
Over the months, the spasm spread into his arm, chest and back, and was accompanied by cramping and weakness. Finally, nearly a year since symptoms had started, he decided to seek medical advice.
After seeing a few doctors, he had more of an idea of what he could be facing. Going into a series of MRIs he was hoping and praying for a benign brain or spinal tumor. Something serviceable. Anything, as long as it wasn't neurological.
But the MRIs came back clean. Next up was a bunch of tests at the neurologist. Those didn't come back clean, and the following day he was diagnosed with ALS.
Despite the diagnosis he lived and worked a normal life, savoring each day more than the last. Eventually though, he couldn't work anymore, or live on his own and had to move in with his parents, who continue to work as his caregivers. They all fight on everyday in hope of a cure, and a world without ALS.
ALS claimed his earthly body on December 18, 2020, but his war against ALS continues. Please Help “Nate the Great” defeat ALS!
The Walk to defeat ALS
Thank you for helping us reach our fund raising goal! Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatment and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the Walk to Defeat ALS® or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause.
Why We Need Your Help
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!