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In 2018, I had a change in career paths; I started working for my first ALS patient  his name was Peter Koinis. Mr. Pete, as I called him, started out as my patient but quickly became my friend then a part of my family. I remember one day we were sitting on the back patio and a lizard jumped on me and I screamed and jumped up and down ( I hate lizards) when I looked over at Mr. Pete he had the biggest smile on his face. He never let me live that day down; I will never forget that day.  Another day I will never forget is October 2, 2022 because that was the day that my dear friend Mr. Pete lost his battle to ALS. See I truly loved Mr. Pete and I know that he truly loved me. 

A month after Mr. Pete’s passing, I was at work on Jones 10 ,(Houston Methodist ALS unit), and I walked into a room and in this room was this half naked little man laying in the bed with his legs opened in a butterfly position; he looked over at me, of course I was confused as to what and why he was laying in the bed like that. I went over to him and told him " Sir I do not know you nor do I know what you are doing"  when I said that a huge smile came across his face followed by laughter. I was still confused as to what was so funny, then the wife explained to me that he wanted me to help him with his stretches ( still did not understand why he was half naked) but I also learned that he did not like to wear hospital gowns; and that was the story of how I met Joel Androphy, my second ALS patient.

I can go on and on about the amazing ALS patients that I have had the honor of meeting, like, Dr. Swisher who always reminds me that no matter how hard life gets, to pray and put God first. Every time I walk into the room he looks up and smiles and says Uh-Oh. His smile lights up a room and warms not just your heart but your soul. Or I could tell you about Mr. Robert who still has his morning coffee while he listens  to his favorite music  as he sits outside and tries to figure out the new plants in his backyard. He likes to trick me and pretend to be a sleep and when I ask "are you really sleeping?" he flashes the most prefect smile.

These are just a few of the reasons and people why I walk for ALS.  I will continue to walk for those who can not, talk for those who can not, and fight for those who are weak and those who have lost their fight.  I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL THERE IS A CURE FOR 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, and presently there is no known cause or cure

Thank you for helping me reach my Walk to Defeat ALS fundraising goal! The Walk to Defeat ALS raises funds to support those affected by ALS and to spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure