I've been working on this project for a long time — two years —
and as you can imagine, the team is always happy to see each other
on the rare occasions we can travel and get together.
Some months ago, one of our number started experiencing a problem
in his hand. He started having frequent doctor visits, which seemed
unusual to me and probably to the rest of us.
Over time, he seemed to become less and less available. When I'd
hear him on conference calls, there were mornings he sounded exhausted.
Something in his voice was different. It wasn't the same guy we all
loved to see.
Only in recent weeks did I learn that he is suffering from
ALS,
more commonly known as Lou Gherig's Disease; it is considered a group
of rare neurological diseases affecting voluntary muscle movement.
ALS and its component diseases are part of a broader class of
motor neuron disorders. These disorders all share traits of degeneration
and/or death of the nerve cells responsible for message
transmission from the brain to the spinal cord and out to extremities.
The neutralization of these motor neurons eventually translates into
spasms or even atrophy of the muscles no longer receiving the messages
they should.
My friend has this.
And I'm not okay with that.
He has started a foundation to raise funds for ALS research.
Presently, a number of us are supporting his foundation through
a Stridekick campaign, but we can all make donations through
the Foundation's Facebook page.
Please consider making a donation. Particuarly if you or someone
you know has been touched by this awful disease.
UPDATE: I received word this morning that Mario's fight with ALS
ended yesterday morning.
Over 17 months, the disease brutalized and ultimately extinguished
a loving, caring soul.
The organization's Facebook page asks that expressions of love
and sympathy be made in donations in lieu of flowers.
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