Faced with the challenges of living with ALS, we mourn the loss of bits of ourselves, reexamine our priorities and discover new strengths we did not know we had. ALS does not have to define us, but it does make us consider ourselves anew. Have we come to understand ourselves better? How does the old “Me” compare with who we are now?
Sharon Dupre
Sharon’s poem shows that she has not lost her whimsical soul or her sense of humor to the physical limitations of ALS. There is strength of character and love of life behind this delicate poem.
Paula Goldstein
Paula describes how ALS has helped her to change her life in some very positive ways. Her priorities have changed and she has learned to give up control, to compensate and to ask for help.
Mary McConaghy
Connecting with people is still a central part of who she is, but Mary has found this part of herself has been surprisingly improved by her new sense of authority and her new, improved sense of humor.
Kathryn Voit
Acknowledging the moments when her advanced ALS made her feel like a rag doll and a burden, Kathryn’s poem also sings joyfully of the reflection of God that still made her spirit blaze.