You made it! Welcome to my life with ALS blog .  My name is Guillermo, but to make it easy, most people refer to me as Gill. 

     Now that the introduction is done, let me tell you a little about myself.  I was diagnosed with ALS in November of 2015. ALS, for those who may not know, is a progressive neurological disease.  As the disease runs it’s course, the individual loses motor function, the ability to move, and eventually the ability to breathe on their own.  Eventually, succumbing to the disease. This usually occurs within 2 to 5 years from diagnosis. 

     Grim picture, huh…I felt that way, too.  Not that it isn’t still a depressing thought in my mind, but I have chosen not to let ALS stifle my life completely. I choose to live and be present every day. 

     As a husband and father of three wonderful children, I live for them.  They inspire me to keep on keeping on.  I  hope to provide some inspiration, in turn , to someone who may read the words that I type here. Please follow me as I share my journey and thoughts with you!

This Post Has 9 Comments

  1. Kathy Easley

    Hi Gill,
    I’m a 67 year old woman who’s had ALS for 26 years. I was first diagnosed with PLS, but my neurologist changed it to ALS when my speech and walking played out.
    I’m married to a wonderful man, who until three years ago, took care of me by himself.
    Now I have a part-time caregiver that exercises my entire body daily. She’s a god send, I truly believe.

  2. admin

    Thank you for stopping by, Kathy! You are officially my first comment ! Sounds like you are taking it to ALS. I hope you enjoy my story and will continue to follow. Hopefully , for a long time to come.

  3. Brian Lowery

    Stay strong brother

  4. Tessa Esparza

    Hi Guillermo its your cousin Tessa. Although we don’t see or speak often I want to thank you for posting this. My mom has kept me somewhat up to date on the family, but, I was still unsure as to what exactly ALS is. I miss you and love you very much, and I pray the Lord watch over you and your family. If there is any way we can help please let me know.

  5. Wade

    Hey Brother, you are a true inspiration to life, honor, dignity, family, and friendship. Thanks for always being there for us. Stay strong, always here for you.

  6. anjum nazir

    for sporadic als people disease means death of a single person. but for unfortuntate people like me it meams death of the whole family. particularly if a mother is affected it means a ship wreck for the whole family.
    i lost my mother and two maternal aunts in one geneeration to the disease . never thought it will raise its head again in this generation till 11 months back i was diagnosed with familial ALS.. a happy family of four subjected to morass once for all….
    ALS is painful and devastating…i was main carer of my mother….i saw her dying bit by bit everyday….
    now my small kids aged 11 and 6 years watch me dying bit by bit everyday…and even after so much of time there is no cure.
    though i search for all trials everyday with no result in view as a treatment.. i tried edavarone and feel it helps to overcome stress….we miniscule of people facing this dreadful disease have not treatment and not much effort is being expended for further treatments..

    especially familial mnd poses a big threat and can b treated with gene therapy but not much effort is put in on government front for research.

    1. Gill

      I agree 100%. I am sorry. I cannot imagine having to face this disease over and over again and watching multiple family members succumb to it.

  7. Rafael Cruz Jr

    Hi Gill, thanks for the inspiration. My name is Jr. I was diagnosed w/ALS in 2017 and it’s been hard. I still haven’t wrapped my head around it. I have two young teenagers and a beautiful wife and thank god she is holding the fort. Recently my children posed the ? Of whether this illness is hereditary. We couldn’t answer it. So I recently began praying seeing as I haven’t in two years in hopes that 1. I find my way home and become the person U are. 2. That the answer to their ? is sporadic. Thank you my brother

    1. Gill

      Family is a big part of fighting this disease. The stronger the family, the better. The understanding is that if there has not been a history within the family, it is likely not going to be passed on. Though, I do wonder if it is a possibility that I could be the starting point of familial ALS. I mean it has to start somewhere. But I try to not be too consumed by it. We have far more immediate concerns to deal with. It sounds like you are on the right track. I am always approachable if you ever have any questions. Keep fighting !

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