By By Rachel R. Basinger
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Joe Hrezo, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease in October 2001, is the subject of the documentary, "Day in the Life," filmed by the Cleveland Clinic, the medical facility in Ohio where he currently receives treatment.

ALS is a progressive and ultimately fatal neuromuscular disease. Currently, there is no cure.

But Hrezo's condition has been improving over the past several months after a pump was surgically placed above his left hip to administer the drug Baclofen directly into his spinal cord.

It was after seeing the significant progress that Hrezo has made that Cleveland Clinic officials asked Hrezo if he would share his story.

Baclofen helps Hrezo combat tiredness, relieves stiffness in his legs and arms, helps increase strength in his hands and improve his speech.

"I have not been at this stage of wellness for about three years," Hrezo said, who was taking a smaller dose of Baclofen orally before he received the pump in December of last year.

Unfortunately the oral dispensing of the medicine caused Hrezo, a toll booth attendant for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, to be constantly drowsy.

"I spent four days in the hospital and four days participating in intense outpatient physical therapy," Hrezo said. "Finally, I spent two months working with physical therapists locally before I could return to work on Friday, Feb. 25."

He added that the results of the pump have been "overwhelming."

"The pump is primarily used for MS patients, but they felt that because of the slow progression of my disease I would be a good candidate," Hrezo said.

An avid runner and outdoorsman, Hrezo first noticed that something was wrong with him in 1993.

"I was playing softball at a picnic and noticed a difference in my ability to throw, catch or even run to first base," he said. "I continued to jog through 1995 and then started noticing that I was kind of dragging my right toe and catching it on the pavement."

That prompted him to visit his family physician. His physician said his symptoms could be the result of several things, including a vitamin deficiency.

"I started taking mass doses of vitamin E and B and some antioxidants, but in 2000 it started getting progressively worse," Hrezo said.

In 2001 his physician referred him to the Cleveland Clinic where the diagnosis of ALS was made.

"I didn't tell anyone at first," Hrezo said. "I didn't want my mother to know and worry, but it was soon obvious that something was wrong and I had to tell my family."

Although he feels a little down when he sees someone out running or gardening, two things he can no longer do because of the disease, he doesn't let it get to him.

Hrezo said he copes with the disease.

"I don't mind," he said. "I've accepted it and I live one day at a time. Every day I wake up is a day I've beaten it."

He added that work at the turnpike is his therapy.

"I mingle with people at the interchange and I joke around about my disease," Hrezo said. "They joke back and call me lightning because of my slow movements."

He is currently active in selling red bracelets -- on the order of the yellow "Live Strong" bracelets -- that say "Never Give Up."

The price is $2 with $1 going to the cost of the bracelet and $1 going to ALS research. His daughters are also trying to put together a run/walk fundraising event on the bike trail some time in September.

"To buy a wrist band or volunteer to help in any way with the race, contact Hrezo at 724-628-2127.

"I'm lucky," said Hrezo. "A lot of people diagnosed with ALS deteriorate quickly, but I still work and I'm still independent. I won't let it get me down."

Although an exact date has not been determined, Hrezo was told the documentary should air on WTAE news and on the national Fox News Channel possibly on Thursday.