My partner of 16 years, Ben Trust and I figured we would live a long life together. We were both healthy, regulars at the gym, and also loved to hike. We ate the right things and used sunscreen. As with many in the gay community, the way we looked was important. Then, slowly, I began to have cramping in my legs and abs, and twitching in my arms and legs. I thought nothing of it until after two days of hiking and bike riding, I collapsed when I got off my bike.
I am honored to be this year�s recipient of the Augie�s Quest Tradition of Hope Courage Award �given to an individual who exemplifies courage in the face of Adversity. A person who uses their spirit and zest for life to turn misfortune into a beacon of hope�. I can only hope to live up to this ideal, and for a long time.
Monday of this week was a good day; A very good day, indeed. Ben and I travelled to the Forbes-Norris Clinic for my periodic check-up. The clinic is named after Forbes (Ted) Norris, a renowned neurologist who dedicated his life to helping people with ALS.
John Hamburger, President of Franchise Times and Restaurant Finance Monitor helped announce the launch of BeyondALS.org in a recent issue of The Monitor.
I had the great pleasure and honor to speak to the fans and throw out the first ball at the Fourth of July game of the Bellingham Bells in Washington State. My thoughts included the goal of finding a solution for ALS and having the Iron Horse's name return for being synonymous with outstanding baseball and not with a deadly disease.
When we asked Eddie Poplawski, owner of the Bellingham Bells Baseball Club, to help raise awareness and funds, he did not hesitate. He, his GM Nick Caples and the entire Bells crew have put together a great event on the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's Yankee Stadium farewell speech.
Today we a launching a new tool in our battle to find a solution for ALS. The BeyondALS.org website will help readers find resources focused against Lou Gehrig's Disease and links to the latest research in combating it. Ben Trust and I will share our own insights into what is to live with the disease and to live with someone who has it.
