But She Still Can Love: A Child’s Understanding of ALS

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that currently has no cure. ALS is a disease that typically involves a gradual onset, with initial symptoms that can be quite varied in different people. One person may struggle with lifting a coffee cup or grasping a pen, while others may begin slurring or losing their speech - ALS affects everyone differently. Regardless, ALS is a disease that always takes - takes someone’s ability to help themselves, takes someone’s ability to express themselves, and ultimately takes someone from the ones who love them most.Mom was taken from us by this disease too soon. She was a nurse of over 30 years, always taking care of others, to end up being taken care of herself. Though we ultimately lost Mom to ALS, we gained a purpose to bring awareness and support to others who may have or had the same experience with their loved one. Whether it’s Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, or another loved one affected by this disease that always takes, always remember - but they still can love.For more ALS information and resources, visit als.org. A large portion of the proceeds from this book will benefit the ALS Association of Georgia Chapter’s ‘Walk to Defeat ALS’ in honor of Mom, Marina Pascarelli.