Ride For Life: Former U.N. Peacekeeper Now Fighting ALS

Before Russell Porter left on a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo in 2000, he regularly got up at 6 a.m. to work out, running several miles and lifting weights. Now he can't button his own shirts.

What started out as an adventure in a foreign land has turned into a nightmare for Porter and his family.

During a one-year leave of absence from the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office to be part of the United Nations mission in Kosovo, Porter was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. For a man accustomed to an active lifestyle, the disease's impact has been tremendous.

The retired sergeant earned the nickname "top gun" for his marksman- ship. A nearly 15-year veteran of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, he earned the Governor's Marksmanship Award, the Medal of Valor, Master Marksman and five unit commendations.

But he now must rely on his family to help him talk, eat and dress. He is fed through tubes and has dropped about 40 pounds.

Porter's mind is as sharp and alert as before, but he is trapped inside a deteriorating body. There is no known cure.

"He was as healthy as all get out but came back with ALS," said T.R. Porter, his brother. "He was fit all of his life. He was a good cop. This is the toughest foe he's ever fought. I just want people to know what is going on."

ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's Disease after the New York Yankees Hall of Famer, is a progressive disease that destroys a person's motor skills. About 5,000 people are diagnosed with it each year.

Porter and his family believe that there's a link between his service in Kosovo and the disease.

He is working on approval for Social Security disability and is relying on medical insurance through a COBRA plan, which has a time limit.

He has been denied medical coverage from the recruiting contractor for the military and has filed a lawsuit against the company.

"The financial aspect has been difficult," said Porter's son, Jason. "It seems something gets delayed every day, and that is frustrating for him."

The Porters' primary focus is on the battle against ALS.

A doctor nine months ago told Porter that he had less than two years to live.

Porter communicates mainly through e-mail and said his family and friends are the biggest part of his life. He calls his son and former wife, Debbie, his "guardian angels."

"I have always been independent, and I guess I still am," he said in an e-mail. "But I have to let them do things as simple as buttoning my shirt. I know there is a reason for everything. God has a plan for us all.

"Sometimes, as mortals, it's just hard for us to see the final reason. My life has been very full, and it's not over yet."

Porter was sent home from Kosovo in early 2001 after exhibiting physical problems. He had undergone surgery for a brain aneurysm the previous December, but his slurred speech continued. He received the ALS diagnosis after his return to the United States.

"My biggest frustration is not being able to talk," he wrote.

Jason, 22, moved from Norman, where he was a University of Oklahoma student, to help his father. He's working to help pay the medical bills while taking courses to finish his degree. But there are no complaints.

"He's my best friend in the world. He's the greatest man I've ever known," Jason said. "If he was down to his last dollar, he'd find a way to give it to you. But I couldn't do this without the help of friends and family. I couldn't do it alone." How you can help

A fund has been established at the Firefighters Credit Union to help Russell Porter pay his medical bills. The address is 401 E. Fourth St., Tulsa, OK 74120. The telephone number is 582-1191.