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Living with ALS: The Women's Voice

WHO AM I, REALLY?
Reflections by Kathryn Voit
June 2011

Who am I really?
A rag doll with a brain,
Whose life is not worth living
And others must maintain?
Or a person who’s disabled,
Who loves despite some pain.

Who am I really,
A victim, a burden, a quad?
At times I think like that,
Mostly, I’m of the human pod.
Evolved from worm through ape,
To an image of my God.

Wind, waves and stars,
Sing hymns of praise.
With no effort on my part,
I reflect the sun’s rays.
Thus despite many disabilities,
My body and spirit blaze.

Kathryn Voit and her husband Gerry, at right, are surrounded by their 10 grandchildren on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary, June 2010. Kathryn, who lived outside of Philadelphia, had ALS since 1998. She continued as a math teacher for three years after her diagnosis. She continued to be active in the ALS chapter of Philadelphia, raising awareness of ALS and supporting new patients.