Pam (aka Mom, Mimi, Dear) was officially diagnosed with ALS on March 16, 2021, just days before her 68th birthday. ALS stole my moms ability to walk, move, talk and ultimately, her life. What it didn’t steal was her love for family and friends, her sense of humor, her kindness, her grace.
On Friday, October 7 at 4:17pm, Mom took her final breathes surrounded by my dad, my sister and me. We gave her permissions, we held her hands as she left the earthly world to be met by her parents and so many others who love her and went before her into Gods hands. Her body, her soul and her mind are free. She is no longer a prisoner to her body. Free from the pain, the heartache and heartache that ALS bestowed upon her.
What a privilege and honor it was to have been to be by her side, with my sister and dad in her journey through and out of this life. While it was no doubt been the hardest week of our life, for me, it has been the most beautiful and rewarding time. Being with someone in death is the hardest and most meaningful process but it was a privilege to be there and hold her hand and one that I will forever be grateful for.
There are so many treatment options “in the works” currently to help make ALS a livable disease. Unfortunately, my family will not be able to see the results for my mom but we can still help keep moms memory alive by fighting for everyone else out there living with this cruel disease.
Mom dedicated her life to helping other people and for those of you who may not know her. Hear a little about her. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she traveled the world with her family as a young child. After moving back to the states, she attended Barnes College of Nursing and eventually met her solemate and husband, my dad (Jim), on a blind date and the rest is a beautiful love story. They settled in St. Louis to raise their daughters, Beth and me. Mom was a RN at Mercy Medical Center in the NICU for 35 years where she started the lactation program and helped countless babies and moms throughout her career. After retiring, my parents enjoyed traveling the world, taking walks, gardening, spending time with their friends, and creating memories with their children and grandchildren.
My mom’s legacy will live on through the many lives she has touched. She is a beautiful soul, and her presence will be missed by all. Her family and friends will not stop fighting for a cure.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
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.
That’s why we’re participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. To help unlock the mystery of ALS and find the key to treatments a cure. Will you join us?
ABOUT ALS
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.
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!