Eighteen years ago, Todd and I joined our lives in marriage, vowing for better or worse, in sickness and in health, and we went forward together as friends and allies. Jesus taught that joining in marriage is “two becoming one flesh.” Indeed, I felt oneness with Todd. We liked…

A detailed atlas of the various types of cells that populate the motor cortex, the brain region that controls voluntary movement and is damaged in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was created by a worldwide consortium of researchers. The long-term goal of the group, which involves hundreds of…

“You say you got a real solution, Well, you know, We’d all love to see the plan. You ask me for a contribution, Well, you know, We’re all doing what we can.” John Lennon’s lyrics from the song “Revolution” by the Beatles capture some of my concerns regarding the…

The ALS Association is reminding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and caregivers that the open enrollment period for Medicare recipients to make changes to their existing coverage runs through Dec. 7. The open enrollment period for altering coverage opened Friday. After Dec. 7. changes will be allowed only after…

Note: This story was updated Oct. 19, 2021, to note that the trial is taking place at 90 clinical sites and to update the contact information, based on additional information from the company. A Phase 3b clinical trial is recruiting adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to assess the…

“And so castles made of sand Fall into the sea eventually.” — Jimi Hendrix From time to time, given my predilection for quoting songs in my columns, I’m asked whether a song triggers content, or if it’s subject matter in search of lyrics. The answer is, circumstantially, either. On…

The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) awarded $600,000 in grants to ease the disparities faced by rare disease patients of color. These Impact Rare Disease Solution grants will go five RDDC steering committee working groups, which aim to identify problems for rare disease communities and advocate for solutions. The five…

Learning I had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was certainly a big adjustment. The changes to my life that slowly chipped away at my goals and sense of self made me feel lost. It was only when I observed ALS patients who were thriving that I was able to appreciate how…

In the days after my husband, Todd, was diagnosed with ALS, I was overwhelmed with what lay before us. But Todd went into preparation mode. “We need to sell the house,” he said. “We need to move near your family.” It took more than a year for the house to…

“What you need, my son Is a holiday in Cambodia Where people dress in black.” Those lyrics from the song “Holiday in Cambodia” by the punk rock band Dead Kennedys illustrate how counterintuitive any public holiday display may appear. Without knowing the context, all-black attire may seem odd. Yet,…