As 2018 looms in the rear view mirror , we look to the new year just over the horizon. Contemplating what 2019 has in store while reminiscing on the year gone by.
For me, ’18 was definitely a year marked by change. It would be our first full year in our new home. Hopefully, the first of many more to come. The year would also prove to be the most challenging, yet. Physically speaking, I have seen the most effect of my progression. Not that my worsening has sped up, but that the losses are more noticeable. As I progress, it is as if my abilities sit on a seesaw. Just teetering until they sway the other way. I have become almost fully dependent on others for daily activities. With that, my wife stopped working to become my full time caregiver. She is my angel sent from heaven! I don’t know what she thinks of me, though ! We got to do some traveling this year, which was a new experience in a PWC. We also had a successful fund raising walk to help out our local ALSA chapter. So, over all, on the family front, we had a decent year.
As a community, it seemed to pretty much be business as usual. Losing pALS continues with no hope in sight. Nothing very exciting to be had in terms of advancing towards effective treatment or cure. There was a bit of news from the folks at ALSTDI with the announcement of AT-1501 heading into clinical trials. Fingers crossed for success.
As for the approaching year, I pray for stability in my health and continued strength for me and my family to face whatever adversity comes. I will be continuing to speak to and for my fellow ALS warriors through this blog as well as any other avenue at my disposal. Very soon, I will be joining a small group of advocates to meet with the FDA to address some issues pertinent to our fight. I hope that this coming year will present me with additional opportunities to have a positive impact within our community.
When you next hear from me, the new year will be in full swing. I wish you all a Happy New Year and cheers!