By Pastor Leah Fintel Krotz, Trinity Lutheran Church, Bruning
I read with interest the article in last week’s Journal-Register about the origin of American Legion Baseball, and how this led to the Legion’s advocacy for people, especially veterans, suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). This condition is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, because the famous New York Yankees player, one of the greatest of all time, suffered and eventually died from it.
ALS is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscles. As ALS progresses, people lose the ability to walk, use their limbs, speak, or swallow, experience breathing difficulties due to weakened diaphragm and chest muscles, and often require ventilatory support. However, mind, memory, and intelligence aren’t affected—they are simply trapped in a body that will no longer obey.
As of today, the cause of ALS is unknown. There are no known preventative measures, and there is no recognized cure. Military veterans are approximately twice as likely to be impacted by ALS as those in the general population. Most people live only 2-5 years after being diagnosed.
My dad didn’t even live that long. The day I read that newspaper story was the thirteenth anniversary of his death from ALS. My dad was always my hero, but even more after his diagnosis with this terrible disease. Although he was losing more and more abilities, he kept going, doing everything he could to remain as independent as possible.
He was helped in this by the support of ALS in the Heartland, an organization dedicated to providing services for people in our area affected by ALS. You can learn more about them at http://alsintheheartland.org. Another great resource is http://als.org. Here you can read the stories of veterans and others who are dealing with ALS.
Although the diagnosis of ALS is hopeless, those who put their trust in Jesus are never without hope. My dad’s faith, and the encouragement, help, and prayers of others, were what carried him through. Today, I ask you to pray for the thousands of people who are facing this terrible disease, and for those who are searching for a treatment or a cure.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
