I never thought about ALS, until my brother Butch, who was my best friend, was diagnosed in October 1999 at age 51.  On September 12, 2000, he died from the disease, just ten months after diagnosis.
 
Butch worked in Electronics as a technician for 18 years with the West Virginia Public Radio Station out of Charleston, WV. Butch was also a veteran of the Vietnam War and my father adamently believes that his son came down with ALS because of his service in the Air Force.
 
I think whatever caused Butch to be sick with ALS is still a mystery. He had a brilliant mind, a healthy body, and he loved life. Nothing hurt him more than to realize he had the disease, and it was not an easy transition.  We tried as a family to make his life comfortable and let him know we loved him. But this was not enough for a man who loved life, his family, his work, and had a passion for the betterment of the world. His desires have not been completed, there is still much to be done for mankind. The only time Butch was completely at ease was at his death, his body was no longer twisted and racked with pain.
 
I would like to assist with the destruction of  ALS, it is such a non discriminating disease.

Thank you for the place to write, it still comes to memory, even now. Butch is sorely missed by his family.

Thank you,

Patricia Shreve.