Dear Drs. Califf and Marks, I am a young woman living with ALS, and I am writing in strong support of the approval of the ALS treatment debamestrocel, which has proven to be both safe and effective in clinical trials. ALS is a brutal enemy. This equal opportunity killer destroys the nerves that allow us … Continue reading My FDA Advisory Committee NurOwn Statement
Category: Respiration
Every Breath You Take
"Every breath you take just proves how blessed you really are." - John Landry "This is Rachel Doboga's ventilator just after starting the nebulizer, and her oxygen is dropping to 95, now 93," Evan says, holding his phone up to film my ventilator readings. He stops filming and turns off the nebulizer. "My head is … Continue reading Every Breath You Take
The 4th of July – ALS Style!
This is a photo I took on our cross-country road trip just before we crossed the Mississippi River. Ever since we adopted dogs, I haven't been a fan of fireworks. They terrified Malka, our dog who passed away on September 26th, which was surprising because she was a fierce protector. She used to huddle with … Continue reading The 4th of July – ALS Style!
Feeding Tube Foodie; or How I’m Being Lured to the Dark Side
The sound of the microwave whirring to life sliced through my interest in the book I was reading in the living room. I made a beeline for the kitchen where my husband Evan was clearly up to something delicious. (it was a good day for me in terms of hand strength, so I was able … Continue reading Feeding Tube Foodie; or How I’m Being Lured to the Dark Side
Save Medicaid from Being Slashed!
The health care bill draft currently being reviewed by the Senate slashes Medicaid to the bone. If the bill is passed, 14 million of the most expensive beneficiaries - particularly, the elderly and disabled, including those suffering from ALS - will be kicked off Medicaid! Use the following text to write to or call your … Continue reading Save Medicaid from Being Slashed!
A Wild and Lonely Belief
7 5 8 8 9Dedicated to Dr. Goslin for giving me permission to believe, and my husband Evan, who shields me from the worst of the winter winds. I am a voracious reader. I always have been, thanks to my parents and grandparents, who planted books around my house in places I could reach even … Continue reading A Wild and Lonely Belief
Three Dreams and A Dragon
When I was thirteen, I bought a small, blue, canvas-bound book whose title, scrawled in loopy silver script, read, "The Interpretation of Dreams." I purchased it because every morning, I awoke with vivid memories of three, sometimes four, dreams. About half of them were nightmares, but they didn't trouble me as much as what I … Continue reading Three Dreams and A Dragon
Drug Trial FOMO
I have a serious case of drug trial FOMO (fear of missing out). I just completed my year-long Tirasemtiv drug trial. I don’t know whether I was on the placebo or active drug. However, I have been invited to join the open-label extension of the clinical trial. That would mean I definitely would have an … Continue reading Drug Trial FOMO
White-Knuckle Miracle
I had to work for my miracle, sweat for it, white-knuckle it, but I didn't mind; I never expected a miracle to be easy. No one promised me a rose garden. I woke up from a nap today needing to use the bathroom, so I hit the button that pages my sister and planned how … Continue reading White-Knuckle Miracle
Fortune’s Fool
When I was sixteen, a fortune teller at a fair predicted I would meet and fall in love with a man who would physically take care of me. At the time, I didn’t understand what she could possibly mean. Would I rely on my husband for money? I was hungry for independence and therefore a … Continue reading Fortune’s Fool
How I Live Now: Life With ALS 